Democracy + Elections
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.
Some of the Big Questions Left for Portland’s Charter Commission
The commission has a few loose ends to sew up before proposing ballot measures.
Our Maps Shouldn’t Lie About Our Votes
County-based red and blue breakdowns show numbers of acres, not voters. But in a democracy, it’s the people that should count.
Alaska Supreme Court Upholds State’s New Election System
Top-four primaries and ranked choice voting will better serve Alaska’s complex electorate.
Ditching Odd-Year Elections Would Give More Washingtonians a Say in Local Government
House Bill 1727 would do away with the elections that many voters forget.
How Community Groups Can Shape Alaska’s Success on Ranked Choice Voting
The state election division’s budget for educating voters is modest. Nonprofits, community councils, affinity groups, and even book clubs can help.