Democracy + Elections
Approval Voting Is a Risky Prospect for Seattle
It’s a novice system when it comes to real-world elections, where ranked choice voting is a battle-tested pro.
San Juan County (WA) Council Blocks Ranked Choice Voting and Other Charter Amendments from November Ballot
In a setback for county residents and democracy reforms sprouting up across Cascadia, Councilors claimed without explanation that the amendments did not comply with provisions of the Charter.
In Alaska’s Special Election, a Bipartisan Mindset Makes Sense
Pandering to the center is actually a viable strategy in the race to serve out Rep. Don Young's term in the US House.
A Guide to Alaska’s August 16 Election
One ballot, two elections: The pick-one midterm primaries and the ranked choice special election for US House are on the same ballot.
A Berry Alaska-Style Election
Practice Alaska’s new election system—with the state’s iconic berries!
Why Alaska’s Top-Four Open Primaries Are Better Than Top-Two
Santa Claus is on the ballot, but that’s only one of the reasons.
All You Need to Know About Alaska’s 2022 Special Election
FAQs on the extra-special special election.
Abundant Housing Requires Abundant Democracy
Candace Avalos (Verde Portland, Neighbors Welcome board member), Jeannette Lee (Sightline Institute), and moderator Alex Zielinski (Portland Mercury) discuss electoral reforms in Alaska and Portland, and their potential to affect housing policy.
Political Leadership for Abundant Housing
St. Paul councilmember Mitra Jalali, Former Oregon House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek, Washington state representative Jessica Bateman, and moderator Conor Dougherty (New York Times) discuss housing advocacy at local and state levels and how focusing on real people and their stories can unite coalitions around a common cause.
Portland Charter Commission Unanimously Advances Reform Proposals in Preliminary Vote
Voters could approve changes to the city’s elections and form of government this November.