Democracy + Elections
Washingtonians May Get a Democracy Upgrade in 2024
State leaders are considering measures to allow ranked choice voting, even-year elections, statewide democracy vouchers, and more.
With Ranked Choice Voting Coming to Washington State, It’s Time to Coordinate Rollout
State legislators can support local jurisdictions with streamlined implementation guidelines.
One Year In and One Year Out: An Update on Portland Charter Reform
For followers of democracy reform, Portland offers a rough blueprint.
Idaho, Montana, and Washington Could Save $30 Million by Moving Local Elections to National Election Day
A preliminary estimate of potential cost savings from municipal election consolidation.
What Can Portland Learn from America’s Oldest Proportional Election System?
City Councilor Burhan Azeem shares his experiences from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A Fairer Election System in Alaska Helped More Independents Win Office
Open primaries and ranked choice voting likely led to greater political diversity in the Alaska legislature, while their effect on age, gender, and race was less apparent.
Ranked Choice Voting Would Help Oregonians Vote for their True Favorite
HB 2004 in Oregon’s House of Representatives could bring voters more voice and more choice.
Hey, Olympia! If You Let Them, Cities Could Double Turnout in Local Elections
The case for freeing Washington cities to run elections on Election Day.
Voters Want Fewer Elections: Here’s How to Do That
California, Arizona, and Nevada have shifted to even-year elections, boosting turnout and saving money—with lessons for other states.