Democracy + Elections
Republicans Skeptical, Democrats Divided on Election Reform
Understanding the partisan split on nonpartisan electoral upgrades.
Washington’s Bills to Safeguard and Upgrade Democracy in 2025
State leaders are considering measures to allow ranked choice voting and turnout-boosting even-year elections, protect voting rights, increase language resources for elections, and more.
The History of Washington’s Wandering Election Day
Despite intending to choose a voting day that’s best for voters, timing could still be easier—and legislators can fix that.
A Magic Boost for Low-Turnout City Elections
Seattle’s 2024 special city council election showed just how easily local voter participation could skyrocket.
Election Reform Measures Lost; Election Reform Didn’t
What to learn—and what to leave behind—from the 2024 ballot measure losses in Cascadia.
Alaskans Keep Their Model Election System
The open primaries and ranked choice voting that have delivered more representation for independents and moderate Republicans survived a repeal effort.
Portland Election Delivers City’s Most Representative Council Ever
Proportional ranked choice voting lived up to the promises of the voter-approved charter reform.
Montana: So Close to Better Elections
Primaries featuring more choice for voters and candidates almost became the law in Big Sky Country.
Almost One in Three Idahoans Wanted Open Primaries and Instant Runoff Elections
In the reddest patch of Cascadia, a sizable minority of voters wished for a system to thwart spoilers, promote cooperation, and allow participation beyond partisan labels.