On election night in the United States, most news organizations won’t report results until the polls close. But this year, voting information may be released in real time while many people are still voting. It is commonly thought that publishing information on voting projections would change voters’ actions and possibly change the election results. Others think that voters should have the same access to information as news organizations. Listen to this story and then debate whether you think we should have real-time voting projections on election day.
Story Length: 3:32
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AIR DATE: 09/17/2016
September 29, 2016
3:51
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.
Read MoreAugust 15, 2016
3:45
After the Democratic Party databases were hacked recently, election tampering has become a major concern for election officials. In May this year, a security analyst hacked into a Florida elections website to show that the system is vulnerable. The online voter registration system in Illinois was shut down after a computer gained unauthorized access to data in the system.
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 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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