Democracy + Elections
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.
Proportional Representation Helps Candidates, Too
Tired of focusing on fundraising just to keep your campaign afloat? Voters aren’t the only ones who can benefit from fairer election systems.
How Proportional Representation Gave American Voters Meaningful Representation in the 1900s
And how racial fears and the Red Scare stopped it in its tracks.
When Elections Are Decided in the May Primary, Many Portlanders Don’t Have a voice in City Hall
Holding proportional races in November can change that.
Voters in Southwest Portland Neighborhoods Have More Influence on City Council Elections than Those East of 82nd Avenue
Voters in neighborhoods with more people of color are less likely to elect their preferred councilors.