On November 8, 2016, Americans will cast their ballots in the presidential election. In 37 states, plus the District of Columbia, Americans will have the option to vote earlier than the scheduled election day. This allows residents to vote during a 10-day window immediately preceding Election Day. Early voting can result in more people voting, but it's an extra expense for towns. How could early voting could affect the presidential campaigns? Listen to hear more about the early voting process.
Story Length: 3:51
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December 21, 2021
3:57
Republican politicians in Texas are redrawing district lines, giving white people disproportionate representation in state elections. The controversial practice, called gerrymandering, has long been used as a tool by politicians to help their party win elections. Although legal, the practice can negatively impact important aspects of free elections including how campaigns are run and who shows up to vote. Listen to learn more about gerrymandering and the various ways it can undermine democracy.
Read MoreMarch 7, 2016
3:59
Voter anger is the news story of this Presidential election. It’s fueling support for candidates such as Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. Anger at the government has been present for years, as seen in the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements. There is a strong anti-establishment sentiment, especially among Republicans, about the way things are going and many voters want a change. Listen to these political reporters as they reflect on the current voter sentiment.
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2016
5:27
The first votes in the 2016 presidential election will take place today in the Iowa caucus. As this important election event and other primaries approach, voters and candidates are expressing powerful emotions about the state of the country. Democrats are upset about the economic divide between the rich and poor, while Republicans fault President Obama’s policies on immigration and healthcare. Meanwhile, many voters feel anxious about terrorism and personal finances. Listen to this story to hear the feelings that are defining this election.
Read MoreOctober 28, 2014
4:23
On Tuesday November 4th, there is a national mid-term election with all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives up for election and 33 of 100 Senate seats are contested. 38 states are electing governors. 33 states allow qualified voters to cast their ballots early. But that’s more complicated than it sounds. Listen to this public radio story to learn how voting early can be problematic.
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