Year: 2025
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2025 statewide ballot measures written at the highest reading level, equivalent to a doctorate degree, since Ballotpedia started tracking in 2017
The ballot language for the 30 statewide ballot measures in nine states in 2025 is written at an average reading level of 21, equivalent to a doctorate degree, and the highest level since 2017, when Ballotpedia started tracking the data. This is an increase from 2024, which had an average of 16 years of education…
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Florida voters have decided on 407 ballot measures since 1900
Since 1900, Florida voters have decided on 407 ballot measures—approving 288 (71%) and rejecting 119 (29%). There are five different types of ballot measures in Florida. Legislatively referred constitutional amendments have appeared on the ballot the most number of times (327), with voters approving 70% of them. Initiatives have appeared on statewide ballots 44 times…
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In 215 races, both candidates share the same last name
In 215 contests across 15 states, 438 candidates running for office this year share the same last name. Every single one of these contests is for a local election. Of these contests, all but one are nonpartisan elections. One contest, District 20 of the New York City Council, was a partisan contest where Allen Wang…
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10 states have amended their voter ID laws so far this year
Ten states have amended their voter ID laws so far in 2025. One state, West Virginia, moved from requiring non-photo identification to vote to requiring photo identification. Across the U.S., 36 states require voters to present identification to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of those states, 24 require voters to present photo identification,…
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U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether candidates can sue over election law
On Oct. 8, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections, a case over whether a candidate, U.S. Rep. Michael Bost (R), has the legal standing to challenge an Illinois law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted up to 14 days after Election Day. …
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Colin Allred (D), James Talarico (D), and three other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas
Colin Allred (D), James Talarico (D), and three other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas on March 3, 2026. As of October 2025, Allred and Talarico led the candidate field in polling, fundraising, and media attention. The filing deadline is December 8, 2025. Axios’ Stephen Neukam described the primary…
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Federal government shutdown now tied for third-longest in U.S. history
On Oct. 16, the federal government shutdown became tied for the third-longest shutdown in U.S. history. At 16 full days long, it is tied with the 2013 government shutdown over an attempt to alter the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the shutdown lasts through Oct. 22, it will become the second-longest shutdown, and if it…
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ICYMI: Top stories of the week
Ballotpedia's Top 10 elections to watch this Nov. 4 With less than three weeks to go until Election Night, our staff is busy preparing to cover more than 10,000 elections across the country. Out of all those races, our team has selected 10 of the most important, compelling, and competitive elections to watch. We selected…