The Hope of a “Blue Wave” Is Dangerous to Democracy
The best way to discourage voting—and thwart democracy—is to predict a big win for any party. Here’s what the primaries are indicating about the political landscape ahead of the midterms.
Clean elections
Scholastic Under Fire for Children’s Book Portrayal of Trump
Parents and teachers aren’t angry over what the new book says about the president, but rather what it leaves out.
Despite Prosecutor’s Attempts to Stop Her, Georgia Woman Keeps Registering Voters
Jim Crow endures in Georgia as voter suppression efforts persist across the state. But get-out-the-vote activists are undaunted.
Just One State Stands Between Women’s Rights and the Constitution
Movements such as #MeToo and #SheShouldRun have re-energized the Equal Rights Amendment.
It’s Young Black Women’s Turn in Michigan
At 23, Myya Jones is running for state representative. She’s at the forefront of a wave of Black women running for office.
California’s Low Turnout Suggests Voters Need a Better Reason to Show Up
Still, there are signs of progress that could lead to increased turnout come November, including 1,800 women running for federal and state offices.
Partisan Gerrymandering Could Soon Be Unconstitutional
Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on two cases, anti-gerrymandering action at the state level is well underway.
Stacey Abrams Wants You to Upend the Status Quo, Too
The first Black woman candidate for governor of Georgia overcame obstacles at every turn, and laid out the road map for others to follow.
When 16-Year-Olds Vote, We All Benefit
A lower voting age rejuvenates democracy across generations.
Rejection of Gerrymandering in Ohio Suggests the U.S. Wants Fairer Elections
In both red states and blue states, steps are underway to limit how much districts can be drawn for partisan advantage.
Trumpism Didn’t Just Lose—Progressives Won
It wasn’t just Democrats who won this election, but progressives who didn’t shirk the label.
Remember, Things Can Change for the Better (U.K.’s Labour Party Proves It)
8 lessons U.S. progressives can learn from Jeremy Corbyn’s remarkable campaign.
Amid “Muslim Ban” Chaos, Van Jones Sends in His Love Army
Lawyers and protestors took action: “Nobody’s going to fight alone.”
How to Find the Good in This Nasty Election Cycle
Four ways to turn election stress into courage and compassion.
Building “Political Power” for Black Americans Where Voter Suppression Is Highest
This election will be the first in 50 years not to offer full protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But the Movement for Black Lives is hopeful.
It’s Citizens Who Will Save Us From Citizens United
Constitutional amendment organizers are confident of an eventual victory. “The push toward justice has always started at the grassroots.”
For Those Who Don’t Want to Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils
Ranked-choice voting is catching on, and Maine might become the first state to help citizens vote for candidates they actually want.
Has Arizona Found a Solution to Gerrymandering?
Sixteen years ago, Arizona stripped state lawmakers of the right to draw electoral districts. Many lawsuits later, democracy is stronger—in some ways.
Voting Rights Victories Piling Up
“The Federal District and Appeals Courts are willing to do what the Supreme Court wouldn’t do, which is acknowledge the reality that racial discrimination in voting persists today.”
Why We Shouldn’t Call Trump an “Ignorant Bully” (Even When We Really Want To)
Name-calling is Donald Trump’s stock-in-trade. Here are five more logical fallacies that kill political discourse and threaten democracy.
A Simple Solution to Low Voter Turnout—Knock at the Front Door
In communities of color where voter turnout has historically lagged, in-person interaction seems to be the most effective fix.
Who’s Lobbying for Millennial Interests? Meet the “AARP for Young People”
This is the first election year with the same number of millennial voters as baby boomers. Here’s how lobbyists for young people could change our politics on prisons, climate, and student debt.
Bernie Stole My Feminist Heart (But It’s Complicated)
I was caucusing for Hillary, when a 20-something, impromptu-Bernie-stumping man revived my hope for American feminism.
40,000 Former Convicts in Maryland Just Got New Voting Rights. Here’s How It Happened
Just in time for this year’s presidential primary, a new law in Maryland will allow former offenders on probation or parole the right to vote.
Meet America’s New Election-Integrity Watchman
From Internet voting to automatic registration, the chairman of the Election Assistance Commission discusses what it takes to ensure honest elections.
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