Podcasts about Ballotpedia

On this episode: Several states are moving to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms, reviving a practice that has happened before but rarely on this scale. Texas has already acted, with Republicans pushing through a new map that could net them multiple House seats. In response, Democrats in California are advancing a ballot measure that would suspend the state's independent commission and open the door to a more favorable map of their own. As a result, nearly a dozen states are engaged in redistricting efforts of their own, with huge implications not just for the balance of power in the House — but the Americans who live in the districts in question. To break down what's happening and why it matters, Erin Covey — Editor of U.S. House coverage at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter — explains the political strategies at play and the legal uncertainties that surround them. She walks through the domino effect of Texas's decision, how California, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah fit into the bigger picture, and why deadlines in other states are quickly closing in.At the same time, a looming Supreme Court case from Louisiana could reshape the legal boundaries for redistricting nationwide.The case revisits Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and carries major implications for how states consider race when drawing districts — with potential ripple effects across the South and beyond.Read Erin Covey's analysis for The Cook Political Report: https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/redistricting/2025-2026-redistricting-tracker-how-many-seats-could-flip-0 Learn more about the latest redistricting efforts on our site: https://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_ahead_of_the_2026_electionsComplete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Ballotpedia's work often highlights high-profile elections, but behind the scenes, our staff and volunteers are tackling an even bigger challenge: Gathering reliable information on the country's half a million local elected officials. CEO and founder Leslie Graves joins On the Ballot for her monthly ‘Office Hours' series to explain what “robust information” means in this context and why building it is such a complex and important task.Read Leslie's Column: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves Check out our complete office hours series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMO2t_0SXnYhwMv6HHgIoL75 Are you running for office, or struggling to find information for a candidate? Send them our Candidate Connection Survey or take it yourself: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection Looking to get involved? Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Ballotpedia here: https://ballotpedia.org/Support:Volunteer Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The Supreme Court's 2025 term opens with a docket that could reshape trade, elections, civil rights, and executive power. Among the major cases: challenges to Trump-era tariffs that test the scope of presidential authority over economic policy, a Voting Rights Act dispute from Louisiana involving claims of racial gerrymandering, and a Title IX case on whether transgender students can participate in school sports. The justices will also confront questions about capital punishment and intellectual disability, the independence of federal agencies like the FTC and Federal Reserve, and the growing influence of the Court's emergency docket.Zachary Shemtob, executive editor of SCOTUSblog, helps break down the key cases to watch, the broader trends shaping the Court's work, and how this term's decisions could have lasting consequences for law, politics, and governance in the United States.Read Shemtob's analysis: https://www.scotusblog.com/author/zachary/ Learn more about the cases coming before the Supreme Court in the 2025-26 term: https://ballotpedia.org/Supreme_Court_cases,_October_term_2025-2026 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Alaska's history with ballot measures stretches back before statehood and has produced some of the country's most distinctive political experiments. In 1956, voters approved the “Tennessee Plan,” electing shadow representatives to lobby for statehood. In the 1970s, Alaskans twice approved relocating their capital out of Juneau—only to reject billion-dollar funding proposals that kept the government in place. And the Alaska Permanent Fund, established by voters in 1976, grew into an $80 billion investment fund that continues to pay annual dividends to residents.Ryan Byrne, Ballotpedia's managing editor for ballot measures, joins Geoff Pallay to discuss these milestones along with Alaska's recurring debates over its relationship with the federal government, the rise of ranked-choice voting, and the measures already slated for 2026—including campaign finance limits, psychedelic decriminalization, and another potential repeal of ranked-choice voting. Together, they highlight how Alaska's ballot measures reflect the state's independent political identity and its lasting impact on national reform debates.Learn more about Alaska: https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbooks are out to document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States — and you can find a crash course on each state coming MONTHLY — check out the series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.

On this episode: Senate Republicans pushed through a major change to how presidential nominees are confirmed, lowering the threshold to a simple majority and allowing many nominees to be approved in large groups rather than one by one. The change applies to more than 1,200 positions across the federal government, including ambassadors, U.S. attorneys, and military appointments. Supporters argue it will speed up confirmations and prevent backlogs that can stall an administration's agenda. Critics warn it weakens Senate oversight, sidelines the minority party, and chips away at institutional norms designed to protect bipartisan cooperation.Roll Call reporter Ryan Tarinelli joins host Norman Leahy to explain what exactly changed, why Republicans chose this moment to act, how the move fits into a decade of similar Senate rule fights, and what it might mean for the future balance of power in Congress.There have been three other uses of the nuclear option in recent years, all of which affected how the confirmation process works in the Senate. In 2013, Senate Democrats used it to change the threshold to invoke cloture on non-Supreme Court nominations from 60 votes to 50 votes. The two other recent uses of the nuclear option occurred during Trump's first administration. In 2017, Senate Republicans expanded Reid's rule change from 2013 to include Supreme Court nominations. In 2019, Senate Republicans used the process to reduce the length of post-cloture debate on nominations from 30 hours to 2 hours.Read Tarinelli's reporting: https://rollcall.com/2025/09/11/gop-changes-senate-rules-to-speed-some-confirmations/ Follow our coverage: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/09/12/senate-republicans-invoke-nuclear-option-to-change-nomination-rules/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Congress faces another high-stakes deadline as the fiscal year draws to a close, and divisions over how to fund the government are coming to a head. Senate and House leaders are weighing their options as Democrats insist on health care provisions and other amendments, Republicans navigate internal disagreements, and President Trump's influence continues to shape the standoff.  Burgess Everett, Congressional Bureau Chief for Semafor, joins the conversation to explain the shifting power dynamics between the House and Senate, how past shutdowns provide context for the current standoff, and what role party leaders like Mike Johnson and Chuck Schumer play in navigating these negotiations. The discussion explores the practical challenges of passing a continuing resolution, the vibes in Congress following Charlie Kirk's assassination, the political risks of a shutdown, and how the outcome could influence both parties heading into the next election cycle.Read Burgess' reporting: https://www.semafor.com/author/burgess-everett Here's what happens when the government shuts down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmshB6WbQO8 Learn more about the last government shutdown: https://ballotpedia.org/116th_United_States_Congress#Noteworthy_events Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: CA voters will decide this fall whether to approve Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would amend the state's constitution to temporarily suspend the state's independent redistricting commission and replace its maps with new, partisan-drawn districts. Supporters, led by Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic allies, argue the change is needed to counter mid-decade redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Florida. Opponents — including Republicans, good governance groups, and even former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — say the measure undermines reforms voters approved more than a decade ago. Maya C. Miller of CalMatters joins the show to explain how Prop 50 made it onto the ballot, what the campaigns for and against are emphasizing, and what polling suggests about its chances this November.Learn more about Prop 50: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_50,_Use_of_Legislative_Congressional_Redistricting_Map_Amendment_(2025) Read Miller's reporting: https://calmatters.org/author/maya-miller/#latest-stories Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Congress has returned from its summer recess, but the break has done little to ease the challenges on their plate. At the top of the agenda is a fast-approaching deadline to fund the government, with debates inside the Republican caucus shaping what kind of proposal might move forward. Democrats face their own set of pressures, balancing calls from within the party's base for a tougher stance with concerns about being seen as responsible for a potential shutdown. These crosscurrents come at a moment when long-serving members like New York Democrat Jerry Nadler are beginning to step aside, raising broader questions about generational change and how leadership roles may shift in the coming years.Beyond the funding debate, lawmakers are also navigating how best to explain sweeping legislation to voters back home, a task complicated by the sheer size and scope of recent bills. Discussions around security funding for Washington, D.C., add another layer of complexity, as members weigh policy details alongside political considerations. And then, of course, there's the ongoing public pressure for greater transparency in the Epstein saga.Together, these issues illustrate the crowded landscape on Capitol Hill and the many factors shaping the work of Congress this fall. POLITICO congressional reporter Nicholas Wu joins the show to help shed light on the hectic month ahead.  Check out some of our guest's work: https://www.politico.com/staff/nicholas-wu Learn more about the latest in Congress: https://ballotpedia.org/119th_United_States_Congress Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Ballotpedia CEO and founder Leslie Graves joins host Norm Leahy to share insights from a yearlong “virtual listening tour” with 100 school board members across 33 states. The conversations revealed struggles that rarely make headlines, including the challenges boards face in accessing reliable data on student achievement, how political tension bleeds into their work, the difficulty of moving past conflict, and the reality that most members are volunteers trying to balance limited time with big responsibilities. The story of these local officials underscores how much of American democracy happens far from the spotlight, and why understanding their struggles matters for anyone trying to make sense of our schools and politics.Read Leslie's Column: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves Learn more about the tour: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_School_Board_Listening_Tour Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Arizona has one of the most active ballot measure histories in the country, with nearly 500 measures decided since gaining statehood in 1912. The state has also considered more immigration-related measures than any other state, reflecting its role on the frontlines of national debates. Former Host Geoff Pallay returns for the latest installment of our Historical Ballot Measure Series with Ballotpedia's Victoria Rose (also a former host!), discussing everything from judicial recall, approval rates across different types of measures, the closest contests, how Arizona's initiative process to other states, and more — plus, proposals that may appear on the ballot in 2026.Explore Arizona's Factbook here: https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Learn more about Arizona's ballot measure history:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDGehqQo3RM Listen to our Historical Ballot Measure Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The Federal Reserve has been at the center of America's biggest economic turning points for more than a century as one of the country's most powerful institutions. Former Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker joins host Norm Leahy to trace that story—from the banking panics that led to its creation in 1913 to JP Morgan's role in corralling Wall Street leaders. He explains how Congress set up 12 regional reserve banks, why the Fed's role shifted during the Great Depression and World War II, and how the 1951 Treasury-Fed Accord cemented its independence. Lacker also shares how presidents from Lyndon Johnson to Richard Nixon tried to influence Fed decisions, and why Paul Volcker's fight against inflation in the late 1970s remains a defining moment. Today's debates over the Fed's authority, independence, and accountability echo all the way back to the Reserve's founding — and learning its history can help make sense of where the institution may go in the months and years ahead.Learn more about our guest: https://www.jeffreylacker.org/ Learn more about the Federal Reserve: https://ballotpedia.org/Federal_Reserve_System Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Louis Jacobson, senior columnist for Sabato's Crystal Ball, explains why the 2026 secretary of state elections could be among the most important contests of the cycle. In most states, secretaries of state oversee elections, giving them direct influence over how voting is administered and results are certified. With 26 seats on the ballot—including key battlegrounds such as Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Georgia—these races could shape the rules and practices of future elections. Jacobson outlines how responsibilities differ from state to state, why the offices have drawn more national attention in recent years, and previews the forthcoming 2026 edition of the Almanac of American Politics, a comprehensive resource on American government and elections.Read Jacobson's overview of the races: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/previewing-the-2026-secretary-of-state-races/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Texas lawmakers are considering mid-decade changes to the state's congressional map after President Donald Trump called for them to create five additional Republican-leaning districts. In response, some Democratic legislators have left the state to block a quorum, delaying a vote. To help bring you up to speed, we this episode features two interviews: First, Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff details the actions taken by both parties, including fines, legal measures, and debates over “coalition districts” under the Voting Rights Act.And in the second half of the show, independent election analyst Nathaniel Rakich breaks down the national context, discussing how states such as California and Florida are weighing similar changes, the procedural and legal challenges involved, and how these developments could affect control of the U.S. House in 2026.For more:Check out Rakich's work: https://x.com/baseballot Follow along with the Texas Tribune's coverage of the latest redistricting developments: https://www.texastribune.org/series/texas-redistricting-2025/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield secured 51% of the vote in the city's August 5th mayoral primary, significantly exceeding pre-election polling that predicted she would finish with around 35-36%. Sheffield will face Reverend Solomon Kinloch, who finished second with 17%, in November's general election. The nine-candidate field included several experienced politicians, but none captured significant voter enthusiasm according to local coverage. Pulitzer Prize-winning Detroit Free Press columnist M.L. Elrick analyzes the results and what they mean for Detroit's continued revitalization efforts, the challenge of spreading downtown development to neighborhoods, and potential implications for Michigan politics including outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan's independent gubernatorial campaign in 2026.Follow along with our coverage of the race:https://ballotpedia.org/City_elections_in_Detroit,_Michigan_(2025) Check out Elrick's reporting: https://www.freep.com/staff/5026771002/ml-elrick/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Seattle's August 5th mayoral primary produced unexpected results, with incumbent Bruce Harrell—endorsed by the governor and congressional delegation—currently trailing progressive organizer Katie Wilson. The city hasn't re-elected a mayor since 2005, and this tight race looks as if that pattern could continue. As mail-in ballots are counted through mid-August, the contest centers on key issues, such as Harrell's public safety record and Wilson's housing proposal to open 4,000 emergency units through tiny homes. Multiple incumbents across Seattle races are also trailing their challengers, from city attorney to council president, suggesting potential changes in leadership coming down the road. Seattle's results may offer insights into Democratic voter preferences in this heavily blue city as the general election approaches in November.Follow along with the primary results: https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_Seattle,_Washington_(2025) Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The second installment of our new series Office Hours, featuring founder and CEO Leslie Graves in wide-ranging conversations about how and why Ballotpedia does its work, ranging from editorial decisions and coverage philosophy to broader questions about civic engagement. Each episode builds on themes from Leslie's Pathfinder column for PBS/WNET's Preserving Democracy initiative.  In this episode, we kick off a new effort to hear directly from our readers and listeners by asking open-ended questions in our newsletters. What motivates politically curious people to keep learning? Why do they seek out extra context, or unbiased sources? And how can Ballotpedia foster that kind of community?Catch up on Leslie's columns: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves Full Office Hours Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMO2t_0SXnYhwMv6HHgIoL75 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Explore Michigan's fascinating 140-year ballot measure history with our very own Ryan Byrne. From its origins as the first state east of the Mississippi to adopt direct democracy, Michigan has seen voters reject income tax proposals six times over 50 years and nearly opt out of daylight saving time by just 490 votes. The state became the first in the Midwest to legalize marijuana and has witnessed unique ballot battles over everything from margarine regulations to communist party bans. Learn how Michigan's initiative process evolved from its restrictive 1908 beginnings to today's system, and discover what's coming in 2026, including a rare constitutional convention question that has surprising Republican support.Learn more about Michigan's ballot measure history: https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Check out the other episodes in our Historical Ballot Measure Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral, nonpartisan legislature—and it's creating some fascinating political dynamics. Former state Senator Laura Ebke joins us to break down how nonpartisan voter registration is skyrocketing while Democratic registration plummets, with nonpartisans potentially outnumbering Democrats in the next election cycle. She explains why people temporarily switch party registration before primaries, what happens when your state capitol has an unused second chamber, and how Republican registration has held steady around 47-49% despite the shifts. From George Norris's tire-wearing campaign in the 1930s to today's generational realignment, discover why Nebraska's 90-year experiment might preview America's political future.Check out some of The Platte Institute's work: https://platteinstitute.org/people/laura-ebke/ Learn more about politics in the cornhusker state: https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Split ticket voting—where voters cast ballots for candidates from different political parties—has declined dramatically since peaking in the 1980s, according to new analysis of over 100 years of election data. Mixed party outcomes, where states elect different parties for president and down-ballot races, reached historic highs in 1972 and 1984 when Nixon and Reagan won 49 states respectively, creating opportunities for split results. Today, these outcomes occur in single digits nationwide, with Nevada in 2024 serving as a rare example where Trump won the presidential vote while Democrats maintained control of the Senate seat and state legislature. The data, spanning from 1916 to 2024, shows that factors like well-funded incumbents, popular presidential candidates, redistricting, and reduced electoral competition all influence whether states produce mixed party results across different offices.Explore our new report: https://ballotpedia.org/Mixed-party_election_outcomes_in_presidential_election_years,_1916-2024 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Indiana recently became the fifth state to require partisan school board elections, changing from the nonpartisan format used by over 90% of school boards nationwide. Under the new law, candidates must run with party labels, joining four other states that mandate partisan elections while 41 states continue to require nonpartisan races. The policy change reflects ongoing discussions about school board election formats that have gained attention since the pandemic. Supporters of partisan elections argue that party labels provide voters with additional information about candidates' perspectives, while those favoring nonpartisan elections contend that removing party labels allows focus on local education issues. The debate highlights different approaches to structuring local elections, with some states allowing districts to choose their format and others maintaining uniform requirements statewide.More on the national landscape: https://ballotpedia.org/Rules_governing_party_labels_in_school_board_elections  Check out Indiana's new law: https://ballotpedia.org/Party_labels_in_Indiana_school_board_elections Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The Washington DC Council faces an unprecedented situation as Ward 8 holds a special election on July 15th following the expulsion of Trayon White, the first council member ever removed from office in the district's history. White, who was charged with federal bribery in August after allegedly being caught on video accepting cash envelopes in exchange for steering city contracts, won reelection with roughly ¾'s of the vote in November 2024 before being unanimously expelled by his colleagues. Now running to reclaim his seat against three challengers—advisory neighborhood commissioner Salima Dofo, former mayoral aide Sheila Bunn, and attorney Mike Austin, to name a few—White's potential return creates a complex political dilemma for the council. The situation is further complicated by President Trump's recent threats to take over DC's government and the symbolic significance of Ward 8 as the political base of former mayor Marion Barry. Council members must weigh whether to expel White again if he wins, risking backlash from Ward 8 voters who have twice supported him, while considering the broader implications for federal interference and the district's reputation as White's federal trial looms in January 2026.Catch up on the race: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/06/27/seven-candidates-are-running-in-a-special-election-for-ward-8-of-the-washington-d-c-city-council/ Follow our guest's reporting: https://wamu.org/person/alex-koma/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The Supreme Court's recent term produced decisions affecting nationwide injunctions, healthcare access, and parental rights. Zachary Shemtob, Executive Editor of SCOTUSblog, outlines rulings that barred universal injunctions in Trump v. CASA, upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors in United States v. Skrmetti, and opened the door for parents to exclude children from LGBTQ-themed educational materials in Mahmoud v. Taylor. Additional cases addressed procedural limits on Medicaid-related lawsuits in Medina v. Planned Parenthood and due process claims involving DNA evidence in death penalty cases in Gutierrez v. Saenz. Shemtob highlights trends in unanimous opinions, patterns of dissent among justices, the influence of Chief Justice Roberts, and the expanding role of the emergency docket in resolving time-sensitive disputes with nationwide implications — plus, the cases SCOTUS is likely to take up over the summer. Check out Shemtob's work: https://www.scotusblog.com/ Explore our page on this year's term, with details on every case and comparisons to prior terms:  https://ballotpedia.org/Supreme_Court_cases,_October_term_2024-2025 Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: To mark our 200th episode, Ballotpedia Founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins Host Norm Leahy for the debut of our new monthly series Office Hours. Leslie outlines her ambitious vision to cover all 520,000 elected offices in the U.S. by 2034, explains the mission behind Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, and makes the case for why voters deserve “robust information” at every level of the ballot. Catch up on Leslie's columns: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: In this installment of our monthly ballot measure series, Geoff Pallay and Victoria Rose trace the history of North Carolina's statewide ballot measures—from 19th-century amendments on slavery and segregation to recent court battles over voter ID laws. They explore why the state has never adopted a citizen initiative process, how its high legislative referral pass rate compares to other states, and what these votes reveal about shifting political power and constitutional change in the Tar Heel State.Explore North Carolina's History: https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Check out the other states we've covered thus far in our Historical Ballot Measures Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: New York City voters head to the polls for the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday, June 24 – with early voting totals already exceeding what the city saw in 2021. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback, while Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has gained traction with a progressive message and growing grassroots support. Annie McDonough, City Hall reporter for City & State NY, joins us to break down the key dynamics shaping the race. We discuss the role of ranked-choice voting, early turnout patterns, and how incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—no longer seeking the Democratic nomination—plans to stay on the ballot in November.Learn more about the Democratic Primary: https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,_New_York,_2025_(June_24_Democratic_primary) Follow along with the general election: https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,_New_York_(2025) Read some of McDonough's reporting: https://www.cityandstateny.com/voices/annie-mcdonough/17228/?oref=csny-post-author?oref=rf-post-author --------------Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: For over 75 years, the American Bar Association has played a key role in evaluating the professional qualifications of federal judicial nominees. But its involvement has long been a source of debate—particularly among Republicans, with concerns about bias dating back to the Reagan administration. In this episode, University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias explains how the ABA's process works, why some view it as a valuable independent resource, and why others argue it should be excluded from the nomination process altogether. We also discuss the implications of recent moves to curtail the ABA's access and what that could mean for judicial confirmations going forward.Learn more about the ABA: https://ballotpedia.org/ABA_ratings_during_the_Trump_administration Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: New Jersey's gubernatorial race is taking shape following a pair of high-profile primaries on June 10th that set the stage for one of 2025's most closely watched elections. Democrat Mikie Sherrill secured her party's nomination with broad statewide support, while Republican Jack Ciattarelli dominated his field with the backing of Donald Trump and institutional GOP support. The match-up reflects deeper trends in both parties, from Democratic coalition-building to the state GOP's evolving relationship with President Donald Trump. Brent Johnson, a political reporter for NJ.com, breaks down what the primary results reveal about New Jersey's political landscape, the dynamics of the upcoming general election, and the state-level issues and national forces likely to influence the race ahead. Plus — what to watch in the down-ballot contests voters will be weighing in on this November. Check out our coverage of NJ's elections: https://ballotpedia.org/New_Jersey_elections,_2025 Read Brent's reporting: https://www.nj.com/staff/bdjohnson/posts.html This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Constitutional scholar Sai Prakash of the University of Virginia joins us to explore the origins, evolution, and modern realities of presidential power. Drawing on historical debates from the Constitutional Convention, Prakash outlines how early framers envisioned a limited executive—primarily tasked with enforcing laws—and how that vision has shifted over time. Prakash and our Host, Norm Leahy, examine landmark developments including the rise of popular mandates, the use of emergency declarations, expansions of war powers, and the increasing use of executive action in areas where Congress has not legislated. Prakash also discusses the courts' role in interpreting executive authority, the limits of congressional oversight in the polarized era we find ourselves in today, and the potential for constitutional or statutory reforms. Whether you're curious about originalism, the concept of an “imperial presidency,” or how different branches of government interact today, this episode offers a wide-ranging look at one of the central tensions in American governance.***On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.***Check out our page on America's founding document: https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Constitution Explore Prakash's work and scholarship: https://www.law.virginia.edu/faculty/profile/sp5mm/1200266 Learn more about the current executive branch of government: https://ballotpedia.org/Executive_Branch This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.

On this episode: House majorities have grown razor-thin in recent elections, with three cycles in a row decided by just a handful of seats. Kyle Kondik of Sabato's Crystal Ball joins to explain how voter sorting, redistricting changes, and a shrinking battlefield are shaping the odds for 2026. He breaks down why historical midterm trends may be less reliable, how key states like New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin could swing control, and why even small shifts—just one or two seats—can have outsized effects.Read Kondik's analysis: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/the-house-a-big-sort-lowers-the-odds-of-a-big-wave/ Explore our ‘26 House elections page: https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2026 This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

In this first episode in the President Trump's First 100 Days mini series, Kate and Ben discuss what executive orders President Trump signed in the first 100 days of his second term.Research/Resources:White House Executive Orders. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-orders/. 20252025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders. National Archives. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025. 2025Donald Trump's executive orders and actions, 2025. Published in Ballotpedia website and available on https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump%27s_executive_orders_and_actions,_2025“A running list of Trump's planned executive orders, actions, proclamations and legislation” by Lisa Kashinsky and Ben Johansen. Published in Politico website January 21, 2025 and available on https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/21/trump-executive-orders-actions-proclamations-legislation-00199725“Tracking Trump's executive orders: What he's signed so far” by Avery Lotz. Published in Axios website January 28, 2025 and available on https://www.axios.com/2025/01/21/president-donald-trump-executive-orders-list “Executive Order 14168”. Published in Wikipedia last edited May 25, 2025 and available on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_14168“Liberation Day tariffs”. Published in Wikipedia last edited May 31, 2025 and available on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_tariffs“National Emergency Concerning the Southern Border of the United States”. Published in Wikipedia last edited April 22, 2025 and available on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Emergency_Concerning_the_Southern_Border_of_the_United_States “So far Congress has stayed out of Trump's way, but pressure tests lie ahead” by Susan Davis. Published in NPR website April 30, 2025 and available on https://www.npr.org/2025/04/30/g-s1-63360/first-100-days-congress-acquiesces-to-trump-but-pressure-tests-ahead "Marines and Soldiers Discharged for Refusing the COVID-19 Vaccine Show Limited Interest in Rejoining" by Lolita C. Baldor. Published in Military.com website March 5, 2025 and available on https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/03/05/marines-and-soldiers-discharged-refusing-covid-19-vaccine-show-limited-interest-rejoining.html Check out our website at http://artofdiscussing.buzzsprout.com, on Facebook at Art of Discussing and on Instagram @artofdiscussing.Got a topic that you'd like to see discussed? Interested in being a guest on our show? Just want to reach out to share an opinion, experience, or resource? Leave us a comment below or contact us at info@artofdiscussing.com!! We'd love to hear from you! Keep Discussing!Music found on Pixabay. Song name: "Clear Your Mind" by Caffeine Creek Band"

On this episode: As of May 6, 2025, fourteen members of Congress had announced they will not seek re-election in 2026. This group includes five senators—three Democrats and one Republican—and nine representatives, comprising four Democrats and five Republicans. Among the House members, one Democrat is retiring from public office, while the others are pursuing higher offices: four are running for the U.S. Senate, and four Republicans are entering gubernatorial races. These early announcements mark the second-highest number of congressional retirements at this point in the election cycle since 2018, indicating a significant shift in the upcoming political landscape.What's that all mean for the 2026 midterms? Read our latest report: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/05/06/fourteen-members-of-congress-have-announced-they-will-not-seek-re-election-in-2026/ Learn more about our guest: https://www.geoffreyskelley.com/ This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: As school districts adjust to the end of federal COVID relief funding and new policies under President Donald Trump's administration, many are navigating budget shortfalls, shifting enrollment trends, and tough financial trade-offs. Dr. Marguerite Roza — Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University — joins the show to break down how education funding works, who makes key budget decisions, and what challenges districts are facing this year. From staff reductions and hiring freezes to community debates over school closures, this episode offers a clear look at how education dollars are allocated—and what parents and community members should know about the process.Check out our education newsletter: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Hall_Pass What Margueritte's most recent webinar on school budgets here: https://edunomicslab.org/2025/02/27/a-tough-budget-season-what-you-need-to-know/ This year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: From local zoning laws to federal education funding, rules created by the administrative state shape daily life in more ways than most people realize. Amy Handlin — a new member of Ballotpedia's Policy team — unpacks how the modern regulatory system developed in response to 20th-century corruption, how it expanded through citizen demand and federal policy, and how it continues to evolve today. Amy and our host Norm Leahy explore why criticisms of bureaucracy persist, what could be lost in efforts to dismantle it, and how everyday people can influence the system without needing a law degree.Learn more by exploring our portal: https://ballotpedia.org/Administrative_stateThis year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Congress is once again turning to the powerful tool of budget reconciliation to try and pass major legislation — and with razor-thin majorities in both chambers, every vote counts for the Republican coalition trying to pass President Donald Trump's ‘big, beautiful bill.' Michael Thorning, director of the Structural Democracy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, joins the show to break down what reconciliation actually is, why it matters to everyday Americans, and how it's being used in current debates over tax cuts, deficit concerns, and federal spending. From the internal GOP clash over the Trump-era tax cuts to the Senate's complex Byrd Rule restrictions, this high-stakes and rapidly evolving fiscal showdown is playing out in real time. Here's what you need to know as you follow along. Here's how the process typically works: https://ballotpedia.org/Budget_reconciliation_in_U.S._Congress Check out BPC's explainer: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/budget-reconciliation-simplified/ And listen to our episode on the process from earlier this year: https://ballotpedia.org/On_the_Ballot_Episode_165_Budget_reconciliation_explained This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Virginia may hold elections every year, but the 2025 contests are shaping up to be especially exciting. With races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates, the state is once again a key barometer for national political sentiment. The Virginia Scope's Brandon Jarvis joins Ballotpedia's new host, Norm Leahy, to unpack why these elections matter beyond state lines—from Abigail Spanberger's strategy and Winsome Sears' fundraising blitz to the GOP's internal deliberations. They'll also explore everything from the impact of redistricting and union politics to the controversy surrounding the Republican ticket and what Virginia voters' choices might say about the national mood heading into 2026. Virginia is one of two states — along with New Jersey — whose elections we'll be following closely on the show throughout the rest of the year. You can expect Part 2 to come out sometime in mid-July. Learn more about Virginia's Elections: https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2025 Read Brandon's reporting: https://www.virginiascope.com/ This year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief five minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream On the Ballot on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of our guests and do not represent the views of the host or Ballotpedia.

On this episode: Oregon's long and lively ballot measure history takes center stage as we explore how the state became a pioneer in direct democracy in the latest edition of our Monthly Historical Ballot Measures series. With more initiatives than nearly any other state, Oregon has tackled everything from salmon fishing rules and death penalty debates to psilocybin legalization and electoral reform. Geoff Pallay and Ryan Byrne dig into the origins of Oregon's initiative process, the influence of colorful reformers like William U'Ren, and how voter-led policymaking has repeatedly reshaped the state's laws—and even influenced national legal precedent. Explore Oregon's history: https://ballotpedia.org/Oregon_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Check out the other states we've covered thus far in our Historical Ballot Measures Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche experiment into a disruptive force with global implications—and U.S. financial institutions, lawmakers, and regulators are working to establish clear crypto-related policy. In this episode, we unpack the state of crypto policy in 2025: The political realignment around digital assets, the rapid growth of stablecoins, the future of tokenized securities, and the debate over whether the U.S. should adopt a central bank digital currency or establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Our guest is former CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo , who severed in that position from 2017 to 2019. Known to many online as "CryptoDad," today Giancarlo helps lead the Digital Dollar Project, which advocates for a thoughtful exploration of a U.S. digital currency. With deep insight into both public and private sector shifts, he helps us break down where policy could be headed, what setbacks could be on the horizon, and the implications of America's approach.This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: President Trump has made his first judicial nomination since returning to office, selecting a candidate for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Most presidents make few judicial nominations in their first 100 days, and Trump's current pace aligns with historical trends dating back to Reagan. While his first term (and former President Joe Biden's) saw a record number of Article III appointments, Trump's current term began with fewer vacancies across the federal judiciary. Factors like Senate control and long-term court openings shape how many judges are ultimately appointed, and our data shows that the bulk of judicial nominations typically occur in the second and third years of a presidency.Our latest look at federal judicial vacancies: https://ballotpedia.org/The_Federal_Judicial_Vacancy_Count_5/1/2025Subscribe to our newsletter about federal courts and judges: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Robe_%26_Gavel This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: What does it really take to track down local election information? On this episode of On the Ballot, Ballotpedia's Thomas Grobben joins host Doug Kronaizl for a behind-the-scenes look at the quirky, persistent, and sometimes unexpected lengths our team goes to in order to gather candidate data from all corners of the country. From calling local newspapers and county treasurers to enlisting the help of a gas station clerk—and even a squirrel-rescuing election commissioner—this episode highlights the human side of covering decentralized elections and the value of our expanding local election coverage.Learn more about our local election coverage: https://ballotpedia.org/Local_election_coverage,_2025This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: States don't all count ballots at the same speed, and the reasons why are more complicated than they might seem. In some places, unofficial election results are nearly complete by the end of Election Day. In others, it can take election officials days or even weeks to finish the count. Behind the scenes, policies around ballot deadlines, early voting, pre-processing rules, and election resources all shape the timeline.The factors that slow down or speed up ballot counting come into sharper focus when comparing California and Florida — two states with high levels of early and mail voting, but dramatically different reporting speeds. Their approaches offer a window into the broader tradeoffs between delivering faster results and protecting voter access, election accuracy, and public trust.Explore the full report: https://ballotpedia.org/Factors_affecting_the_speed_of_ballot_counting_and_delivery_of_unofficial_election_results,_with_a_case_study_of_California_and_Florida This year, we're hoping to learn more about our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: We explore how authority over public education is shifting across the country—starting with Ohio's new “Parents' Bill of Rights” law. Axios Columbus reporter Alissa Widman Neese breaks down the law's controversial provisions, reactions from educators and lawmakers, and where the debate might go next. Then, Ballotpedia staff writer Annalise Reinwald joins the show to explain how local school board powers differ across states, what's changing, and why it all matters for voters, parents, and students.Read about Ohio's new parent's bill of rights: https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/09/ohio-house-bill-8-parents-rights-law Explore our school board authority overview: https://ballotpedia.org/Local_school_board_authority_across_the_50_states This year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: The 3rd installment of our Historical Ballot Measures Factbook series! A deep dive into the Golden State's long and influential history with ballot measures. Former host and ballot measure expert Victoria Rose returns to help us explore how California became a national trendsetter in direct democracy—covering everything from Prop 65's warning labels to the tax revolt sparked by Prop 13. We also break down why it's gotten so expensive to qualify a measure for the ballot, how California voters repealed English-only instruction in schools, and what to expect from upcoming measures in 2025 and beyond. Plus, a few fun facts about chiropractic laws and the only advisory question in California history.Explore California's factbook: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: In 2025, Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. Around the same time, Idaho lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to do the same at the state level—setting the stage for a 2026 ballot measure. But this push for English-only laws has a much longer history, one shaped by shifting politics, cultural identity debates, and legal challenges that go back decades.For example — did you know that English is already the official language of 30 states?First, Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel explains what's behind Idaho's latest move, what supporters hope to achieve, and why opponents are raising concerns. Then, Ballotpedia's Ryan Byrne walks us through the rise of English-as-official-language laws across the country—how they gained momentum in the 1980s, what kinds of court rulings they've triggered, and why many of them turn out to be more symbolic than sweeping. We also unpack how Trump's executive order fits into the broader landscape—and whether it could spark more state-level action in the years ahead.Explore the history of these laws: https://ballotpedia.org/History_of_English_as_official_language_ballot_measures_and_laws Learn about Idaho's 2026 measure: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/03/25/english-could-become-idahos-official-language-under-constitutional-amendment/Read President's Trump's executive order: https://ballotpedia.org/Executive_Order:_Designating_English_as_the_Official_Language_of_The_United_States_(Donald_Trump,_2025) Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Breaking down the high-stakes April 1st elections, featuring two of the most closely watched contests since last November. First, Wisconsin Public Radio's Anya van Wagtendonk joins us to unpack Judge Susan Crawford's double-digit victory in the nation's most expensive judicial race in history, what drove the record-breaking turnout, and how the results could shape abortion access, union rights, and redistricting in the Badger State. Then we head south with POLITICO Florida's Gary Fineout to explore two Republican-held special elections, the retention of those seats, and why closer-than-expected margins—even in deep-red districts in Florida—are worth analyzing . From Elon Musk's influence to shifting county-level dynamics, this episode connects the dots on how local races could ripple nationally.Learn more about each race:Wisconsin Supreme Court: https://ballotpedia.org/Wisconsin_Supreme_Court_elections,_2025 Florida Congressional: https://ballotpedia.org/Florida%27s_1st_Congressional_District_special_election,_2025 Check out our guest's reporting:Wisconsin Public Radio's Anya van Wagtendonk: https://www.wpr.org/person/anya-van-wagtendonk Politico's Gary Fineout: https://www.politico.com/staff/gary-fineout Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: With Incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley retiring, the stakes in Wisconsin's April 1st election  to select her successor couldn't be higher — determining whether the court maintains its current liberal majority or shifts to a conservative 4-3 split. The candidates, former Republican Attorney General and current circuit court judge Brad Schimel, and Dane County circuit court judge Susan Crawford, present voters with starkly different visions. With high-profile cases on issues like abortion rights and collective bargaining on the horizon—and following 2023's record-breaking judicial race spending—all eyes are on Wisconsin once again. Learn more about the election: https://ballotpedia.org/Wisconsin_Supreme_Court_elections,_2025 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: With every state legislature in session this year, lawmakers have introduced thousands of bills aimed at reshaping how Americans vote. Some states are tightening voter registration requirements, while others are expanding mail-in voting and ranked-choice elections. Partisan control is driving many of these changes, but some surprising bipartisan efforts have emerged as well. Ballotpedia's Joe Greaney joins the show to break down the latest trends in election administration legislation, what's passing in red vs. blue states, and what these shifts could mean for the 2026 election cycle.Explore the report: https://ballotpedia.org/State_of_Election_Administration_Legislation_2025_Spring_Report:Executive_summarySign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Ohio's ballot measure history is shaped by constitutional debates, major policy shifts, and battles over direct democracy. The 1912 constitutional convention laid the foundation for the state's initiative and referendum process, fueling a surge in ballot activity. The 1919 referendum on Prohibition attempted to overturn the state legislature's ratification of the 18th Amendment—leading to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Decades later, constitutional revisions in the 1970s reshaped governance, while food tax bans and crime victim rights amendments reflected shifting voter priorities. From right-to-work laws to modern debates on constitutional amendment thresholds, Ohio's ballot measures tell a story of ongoing legal and political evolution.Explore Ohio's Factbook: https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

On this episode: Legislators are in the midst of negotiating a bill to keep the federal government up and running through September. Key debates and votes are playing out over the course of this week, with a ‘partial' government shutdown possibly starting as early as this Friday, March 14th, if Congress can't agree on a path forward. From federal employee furloughs to impacts on essential services, this episode unpacks the ripple effects and what's at stake.*CORRECTION: In the episode, our host mistakenly says the government could shut down on Friday, March 15th; Friday is the 14th, but the deadline remains the same. Learn more about the most recent federal government shutdown: https://ballotpedia.org/Federal_government_shutdown,_January_2018Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

Diese Folge ist das vollständige Interview mit Sabrina Bousbar im englischsprachigen Original. Die Politikerin der Demokraten und Aktivistin aus Florida hat uns erzählt, welche Entscheidungen Trumps vor Ort ankommen, wie für ihre Partei der Weg nach vorne ausschauen könnte – und vor allem verrät sie uns, wieso sie die Hoffnung und den Kampf nicht aufgibt.    Übersetzte Auszüge aus dem Gespräch gibt es in unserer regulären Folge „Krawall in Washington – Hoffnung in Florida“.   Sabrina Bousbar bei Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Sabrina_Bousbar   Und ihre Campaign-Webseite: https://sabrinaforflorida.com/    Bastians Doku mit ihr als Protagonistin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lGpql1aFiw&t=3s   Fragen, Wünsche, Anregungen? Her damit: beiburgerundbier@gmail.com

Bei Burger und Bier gibt es diese Woche eine Doppel-, beinahe eine Triple-Folge. In dieser Episode sprechen wir über den historischen Besuch von Wolodymyr Selenskyj im Weißen Haus und die Eskalation durch Donald Trump und seine Regierung. Resigniert fragen wir uns: Hätte das anders laufen können, hätte der ukrainische Präsident das geschickter navigieren können?    Besser wird die Stimmung im zweiten Teil dieser Episode. Da sprechen wir mit Sabrina Bousbar, einer Politikerin der Demokraten und Aktivistin aus Florida. Sie hat uns erzählt, welche Entscheidungen Trumps vor Ort ankommen, wie für ihre Partei der Weg nach vorne ausschauen könnte – und vor allem verrät sie uns, wieso sie die Hoffnung und den Kampf nicht aufgibt.   Sabrina Bousbar bei Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Sabrina_Bousbar   Und ihre Campaign-Webseite: https://sabrinaforflorida.com/    Bastians Doku mit ihr als Protagonistin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lGpql1aFiw&t=3s   Als dritten Teil der Folge koppeln wir das vollständige Interview mit Sabrina separat im englischsprachigen Original aus – das kommt als Einzelfolge in eure Feeds.   Fragen, Wünsche, Anregungen? Her damit: beiburgerundbier@gmail.com