Author: Andrew Bahl
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What to know about states that don't use primary elections to nominate candidates
Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas have their statewide primaries on March 3, kicking off the 2026 primary season. Generally, political parties use primary elections to determine their nominees in advance of a general election. In some cases, however, political parties can — or must — nominate candidates for the general election without conducting a primary.…
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Indiana becomes the 19th state to ban ranked-choice voting
On Feb. 24, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) signed legislation prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting in the state, making Indiana the 19th state to ban RCV nationwide. Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a system where voters rank candidates by preference on their ballots. In the RCV system most commonly used in the United States, a…
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Maine legislators weigh expanding state's ranked-choice voting system
On Feb. 10, Maine legislators approved a bill requiring the use of ranked-choice voting to elect the governor and members of the state legislature. Before advancing the legislation to Gov. Janet Mills (D), the legislature is waiting for advice from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. In the ranked-choice voting system currently used in Maine, a…
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Arizona moves its primary from August to July
Arizona’s 2026 primary will now occur on July 21, after Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed legislation on Feb. 6 that moves up the state’s primary date. Under HB 2022, primary elections will now take place on the second-to-last Tuesday in July. Previously, primaries occurred on the first Tuesday in August. HB 2022 passed on a…
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Twenty-five states weigh legislation on foreign funding in elections
Lawmakers in 25 states are considering new state laws or constitutional amendments so far this year related to foreign funding in elections. Federal law prohibits federal, state, and local candidates from soliciting, directing, or receiving contributions from individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The law also bans contributions from…
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Congress considers whether to require voter ID, proof of citizenship for federal elections
On Feb. 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, which, if enacted, would require voters in all 50 states to provide documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and voter ID to cast a ballot in federal elections. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R), is among several…
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Voting requirements related to citizenship vary across the U.S. — here's how
Voters in at least three states will decide on constitutional amendments that would prohibit noncitizen voting, with a fourth state potentially joining them in the weeks ahead. Here's a look at how voting requirements related to citizenship vary across the U.S. In November 2026, voters in Arkansas, Kansas, and South Dakota will decide on constitutional…
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At least 10 states could change their ballot drop box laws in 2026 — here's a look at drop box policies across the U.S.
Wyoming and Alaska lawmakers are among those considering legislation related to ballot drop boxes in 2026. Drop boxes are receptacles where voters can deposit their sealed absentee/mail-in ballot without using a mail service. On Dec. 18, 2025, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray (R) said he would urge legislators to enact a law banning ballot…
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Kansas legislators hear from Ballotpedia as they weigh election dates change
On Jan. 20, legislators on the Kansas House Elections Committee heard from Ballotpedia as they consider a bill to move local and school board elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered election years. HB 2452 would apply to city and county races, as well as elections for school board, community college board, and public utility board. The…
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What to know about early voting, the second-most common way to cast a ballot
In the 2024 election, more than 48.8 million voters cast a ballot using early voting, according to Election Assistance Commission data, making it the second-most common method of casting a ballot behind Election Day voting. As of January 2026, 47 states and the District of Columbia offer no-excuse early voting in some form. Alabama and…