Year: 2024

  • More state supreme court incumbents lost in 2024 elections than any year since at least 2008

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    In 2024, 82 state supreme court seats were up for election. Incumbents ran for re-election in 70 races (85%). Incumbents won re-election in 62 races and lost in eight others. This figure marked the highest total number of losses in a single year since in 2008, and tied 2008 for the lowest total percentage of…

  • The number of special legislative elections hit a decade low this year

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    Welcome to the Tuesday, December 17, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: The number of special legislative elections hit a decade low this year There were 52 special elections for state legislative seats in 22 states this year, the fewest since 2014, when there were 40.…

  • Partisan control of Wisconsin Supreme Court at stake in 2025

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    Welcome to the Monday, December 16, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Partisan control of Wisconsin Supreme Court at stake in 2025   Both major parties will compete for control of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court in 2025. Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel are running for a 10-year term.…

  • Changes to voting laws and state board of election included in North Carolina veto override

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    On Dec. 11, 2024, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto of S 382. Cooper vetoed the bill on Nov. 26, and the North Carolina Senate voted along partisan lines to override the veto 30-19 on Dec. 2. The 72-46 vote in the House confirmed the override.   The bill combines disaster relief funding for communities and businesses…

  • ICYMI: Top stories of the week

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    We’re back! Ballotpedia’s Holiday Cookie Election has begun. Cast your vote today!  We are stocking up on flour, breaking out the sprinkles, and dusting off the cookie cutters. ‘Tis the season for holiday cookies! Do you have a favorite cookie, maybe one to pair with a cup of cocoa? Last year, incumbent Chocolate Cookie defeated…

  • The Ballot Bulletin: Ballotpedia’s Weekly Digest on Election Administration, December 13, 2024

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    In this week’s Ballot Bulletin, we cover 25 bills acted on since our last edition.  Year-end review of 2024 legislation This week, in addition to our usual weekly update, we’re reviewing the election-related bill activity over the course of this year. State lawmakers introduced or acted on 3,835 election-related bills this year. See the breakdown…

  • An early preview of the Virginia gubernatorial election

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    Welcome to the Friday, December 13, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Virginia gubernatorial primaries have seen little opposition in past contests In 2025, voters in two states—New Jersey and Virginia—will elect new governors since the incumbent governors cannot run for re-election due to term limits.…

  • North Carolina legislature sends constitutional amendment to 2026 ballot requiring photo ID to vote, including by mail

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    The North Carolina State Legislature approved a constitutional amendment to require photo identification to vote by mail or by other means, rather than only for voters voting in person. The amendment will appear on the Nov. 2026 ballot. In North Carolina, voter ID is currently required for those voting in person but is not required…

  • Ballotpedia adds special elections to state supreme court vacancy coverage

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    Ballotpedia now includes vacancies filled by special elections in our state supreme court vacancy coverage. In 2024, there has been one retirement from a state supreme court, resulting in a vacancy that will be filled by a special election occurring in 2025. Louisiana: On August 4, 2024, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James Genovese (R) stepped…

  • Fifteen U.S. House incumbents lost their re-election campaigns this year

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    When the 119th Congress takes office on Jan. 3, 2025, there will be 15 new members of the U.S. House of Representatives who defeated incumbents in a primary or general election this year. Since 2014, 125 U.S. House incumbents—49 Democrats and 72 Republicans—have lost in a primary or general election each year. That’s an average…