Author: Andrew Bahl
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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…
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Virginia voters will decide on automatically restoring voting rights for people convicted of a felony
On Nov. 3, Virginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights for people convicted of a felony after they complete their prison sentence. Virginia is one of 10 states that never automatically restores voting rights for individuals convicted of a felony. Instead, people must apply to the governor's office…
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U.S. Supreme Court says candidates may challenge election laws before Election Day
On Jan. 14, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that candidates have standing to sue over election laws they believe to be unconstitutional before voting takes place. The 7-2 ruling in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections allows U.S. Rep. Michael Bost (R) and two 2024 presidential electors to move forward with a lawsuit challenging…
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Here's what the new U.S. Postal Service rule on postmarks means for absentee/mail-in voting
On Dec. 24, a new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule took effect, stating that mail is not necessarily postmarked on the day it is posted — implicating official documents that require postmarks, including tax returns, court documents, bill payments, and, in some states, absentee/mail-in ballots received after Election Day. USPS officials have said the rule…
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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs bill requiring absentee ballots to be received by Election Day
On Dec. 19, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed SB 293, which requires absentee ballots to be received by the close of polls on Election Day, except for military or overseas ballots. Previously in Ohio, absentee ballots were counted if they arrived within four days after the election. Not including Ohio, 14 states count absentee/mail-in…
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Kat Abughazaleh (D), Daniel K. Biss (D), Laura Fine (D), and 14 others are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District on March 17, 2026
Kat Abughazaleh (D), Daniel K. Biss (D), Laura Fine (D), and 14 others are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District on March 17, 2026. As of December 2025, Abughazaleh, Biss, and Fine led in fundraising and polling. Incumbent Jan Schakowsky (D) is not running for re-election. As of December 2025, major…