On the Ballot

On this episode: As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Leslie Graves announces Ballotpedia’s new American 250 initiative and Substack, Civic Blueprints, a year-long project focused on the often-overlooked mechanics — the “plumbing” — that make American democracy function.https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/02/20/introducing-a-new-ballotpedia-project-for-americas-250th-anniversary-the-blueprints-of-democracy/ https://ballotpedia.org/America_250_Blueprints_of_Democracy 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: Supreme Court scholar Adam Feldman joins the show to preview the current Supreme Court term and break down the major cases still to be argued, along with decisions expected in the months ahead. Feldman discusses cases touching on voting rights, executive authority, redistricting, and civil liberties, as well as how presidential power is shaping the court’s docket. Plus – internal court dynamics, the role of swing justices, the ‘shadow docket,’ and why Feldman thinks some of the most consequential rulings this term could come in areas that directly affect voters and everyday governance.Learn more about this term: https://ballotpedia.org/Supreme_Court_cases,_October_term_2025-2026 Follow Dr. Feldman on X: https://x.com/AdamSFeldman Subscribe to his Substack: https://legalytics.substack.com/ 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: Google Jigsaw CEO Yasmin Green and pollster Scott Rasmussen join the show to discuss their ‘We the People’ project, an effort to gather public input for the United States’ 250th anniversary – which is this year! Yasmin and Scott set out to hear from every single congressional district in the country, exploring how Americans really feel about core democratic values and how the country is functioning today. Listen to learn what they’ve uncovered thus far and what they hope to learn throughout the year. More about Yasmin and Scott’s project:  https://wethepeople-250.org/ 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 open the new year, Almanac of American Politics writers Lou Jacobson and Rich Cohen join the show to break down how the 2026 midterm cycle is already taking shape. They explain which states have early filing deadlines on the calendar, where primaries are coming into focus, and how redistricting is reshaping the House map. Stay tuned in the second half of the show for a behind the scenes look at this year’s edition of the Almanac! Learn more about your state: https://ballotpedia.org/State_and_federal_candidate_filing_deadlines_for_2026 Learn more about The Almanac of American Politics:  https://www.thealmanacofamericanpolitics.com/index.aspx 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 Tribune reporter Gabby Birenbaum explains the Supreme Court’s decision allowing Texas to use its new congressional map for the 2026 elections and how that ruling has scrambled the state’s delegation. She walks through reshuffled primaries, retiring incumbents, and where Republicans and Democrats see new opportunities. Birenbaum also breaks down redistricting battles still unfolding in states like Missouri, Indiana, Florida, and California, and shares what she’s watching in Congress and in Texas as the 2026 cycle takes shapeLearn more about the story in Texas: https://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_in_Texas_ahead_of_the_2026_elections Read Gabby’s reporting: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/05/texas-democrats-decisions-supreme-court-redistricting/ 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 latest edition of our Historical Ballot Measures series – our 10th episode — How Connecticut’s ballot measure system works and why nearly all proposed amendments pass once they reach voters. Ryan Byrne and Brandon McCauley from Ballotpedia’s Ballot Measure team explain the state’s high legislative referral threshold, key periods of constitutional change, and the next automatic convention question coming in 2028. Explore Connecticut's Factbook here: https://ballotpedia.org/Connecticut_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook 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: Ballotpedia founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins Office Hours to outline how the organization is preparing for the 2026 elections — a cycle that begins earlier than most people realize. We cover expanding comprehensive candidate coverage, growing our volunteer program, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.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: In this two-part episode, we examine what the November 4th elections tell us about voter turnout, shifts within key states, and how voters are engaging ahead of 2026.In the first half, AP data reporter Maya Sweedler walks through notable patterns in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City — including precinct-level movement, demographic trends, and how the Associated Press visualizes election results using population-focused mapping. She highlights where turnout was unusually high, how different communities participated, and which long-term trends held or broke in 2025.In the second half, Vote.org CEO Andrea Haley discusses what her organization observed from millions of users during this cycle. She details increased interest in ballot information tools, usage patterns among younger voters, and broader factors that may explain why participation rose in several states. She also outlines the questions Vote.org is tracking as the 2026 midterms approach.Explore our coverage of the ‘25 Elections:https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025 Read Maya’s reporting: https://apnews.com/article/election-2025-results-takeaways-charts-e440e2b57f751acb5e173ab35aab1bc6 Learn more about Vote.org: https://www.vote.org/ 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 is considering a major separation-of-powers case that could redefine the limits of presidential authority during national emergencies, and help define what exactly constitutes a national emergency. Learning Resources v. Trump challenges President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner — tariffs justified largely by declaring a series of national emergencies.At issue is whether the law gives the president the power to impose tariffs without explicit congressional approval, and how far courts can go in reviewing those emergency declarations. Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, explains the oral arguments made on November 5th, how their eventual decision could affect Trump’s tariffs and future presidents, and what the ruling might mean for the balance of power between Congress and the Executive Branch.Learn more about the case: https://ballotpedia.org/Learning_Resources,_Inc._v._Trump Read Liza’s analysis: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/whats-stake-supreme-court-tariffs-case 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: Axios reporter Hans Nichols joins the show to unpack how the Senate advanced a plan to end the government shutdown over the weekend and where things go from here, as several hurdles remain between now and the government actually reopening. Nichols discusses what happens next with SNAP benefits and Affordable Care Act tax credits, how both parties are looking at where things stand, and how the Senate deal may impact January’s next funding deadline. Plus – how cost-of-living concerns could shape the fight over spending and set the stage for the 2026 midterms.Check out our latest on the Shutdown: https://ballotpedia.org/Federal_government_shutdown,_2025 Read Hans’ reporting: https://www.axios.com/authors/hnichols 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: Political analyst Miles Coleman from the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics and Sabato’s Crystal Ball breaks down the results of this November’s elections, from Virginia and New Jersey to major ballot measures across the country. He explains why polling missed the mark in some races, what surprised him most about the results, and how redistricting in California and Virginia could reshape congressional control heading into 2026. The conversation also explores trends around affordability, voter turnout, and what these outcomes reveal about the shifting strengths and challenges for both parties going into the Midterms. Explore nationwide results: https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025 Check out Sabato’s analysis: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/dem-wave-hits-virginia-new-jersey-and-elsewhere-a-dozen-house-ratings-shift-in-california-following-approval-of-new-dem-map/ 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 founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins the show to reflect on the November elections and what the results could reveal about voter engagement across the country. She discusses Ballotpedia’s coverage of major races and ballot measures in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and Texas, and how the team is preparing for a busy 2026 cycle. From local contests to national trends, Graves explains how Ballotpedia is expanding its election coverage and helping voters access clear, reliable information about every race on their ballots.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: From governor’s mansions to city halls, the 2025 elections feature races of all kinds with local and national implications – both for their states and trends heading into the 2026 Midterms. Ballotpedia’s Ellen Morrissey, Doug Kronizel, and Joel Williams join Host Norm Leahy to break down ten key contests that will shape the political landscape heading into 2026.Explore our full top 10 list, with breakdowns of each election, who’s running, the broader context of each race, and the major storylines surrounding them.  Our Top Elections to Watch Include:Governor of VirginiaGovernor of New JerseyTexas' 18th Congressional DistrictVirginia House of DelegatesPennsylvania Supreme CourtAttorney General of VirginiaGeorgia Public Service CommissionMayor of Minneapolis, MinnesotaMayor of New York, New YorkMayor of Seattle, WashingtonComplete 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: Voters in five states will decide on 24 statewide ballot measures this November, shaping major debates over redistricting, voting laws, taxes and more. Ballotpedia’s ballot measures team boils down the slate of measures each year to come up with a list of the ten most significant and consider a broad range of factors: From fundraising records or measures that challenge an existing policy area to their history and whether a measure is novel or part of a broader trend. Ryan Byrne is joined by his colleagues Victoria Rose, Nicole Fisher, and Alexis Thacker for this special episode walking you through each of this year’s top 10 measures. . Explore our full top 10 list, with breakdowns of each ballot measure, what it is intended to do, the arguments for and against, and the major storylines and interesting context surrounding them.  Our Top 10 List Includes:California Proposition 50: Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map AmendmentMaine Question 1: Require Voter Photo ID and Change Absentee Ballot / Drop-Box Rules InitiativeMaine Question 2: Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Restrict Firearms and Weapons Access InitiativeColorado Propositions LL and MM: Funding for Healthy School Meals for All Program MeasuresTexas Proposition 3: Denial of Bail for Certain Violent or Sexual Offenses Amendment Texas Proposition 15: Parental Rights AmendmentTexas Propositions 2, 6, and 8: Prohibit Certain Taxes AmendmentsNew York City Question 6: Move City Elections to Even-Numbered Years Charter AmendmentNew York City Questions 2, 3, and 4: Expedited Housing and Land Use Review Charter AmendmentsCheck out our series on Historical Ballot Measures, featuring in-depth explorations of 9 states and counting.  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: Voters in Virginia are heading into one of the most eventful election years in recent memory. The state will choose a new governor, attorney general, and lieutenant governor while all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot. But the races are unfolding alongside an unexpected twist – a rapidly developing Democratic proposal to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts before the 2026 midterms.The Virginia Scope’s Brandon Jarvis joins the show first to break down the fast-moving redistricting effort, what it could mean for the state’s politics, and how it’s affecting the governor’s race between Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. He also shares what his reporting on the ground is telling him about the key issues driving the race and the tight contests for attorney general and control of the House of Delegates.In the second half of the show, Ballotpedia’s Lara Bonatesta explains the mechanics of voting in the Commonwealth, from early voting and voter ID requirements to the battleground districts that could decide which party controls the legislature. Follow along with our coverage: https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2025 Read Brandon’s reporting: https://www.virginiascope.com/ 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: Voters in the Garden State head to the polls this Fall to decide some of the tightest and most interesting races in the country, choosing a new governor, all 80 members of the General Assembly, special elections, and more. NJ.com’s Brent Johnson joins the show first to break down the gubernatorial race between Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, exploring voter enthusiasm, turnout challenges, campaign spending, and the key issues shaping the contest — from taxes and the economy to the role of President Donald Trump.Then Ballotpedia’s Briana Ryan walks through what voters will see on their ballots, early voting trends, and how recent changes to New Jersey’s ballot design could influence results. Follow along with our coverage: https://ballotpedia.org/New_Jersey_elections,_2025Check out Brent’s reporting: https://www.nj.com/staff/bdjohnson/ 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: Since becoming a state in 1907, Oklahoma has placed more than 450 ballot measures before voters — a mix of constitutional amendments, citizen initiatives, and veto referendums that reflect over a century of evolving politics. Geoff Pallay returns to host the most recent episode of our Historical Ballot Measure Series with the help of Victoria Rose from Ballotpedia’s ballot measures team. Oklahoma’s long history is filled with interesting and nationally significant measures, with landmark votes such as the early failed effort to grant women’s suffrage in 1910, the state’s history with gambling and right-to-work laws, and the 1992 amendment requiring voter approval for revenue-raising bills. In more recent decades, the state tackled big debates like Medicaid expansion, its split decisions on marijuana legalization, minimum wage hikes, and more. Explore Oklahoma’s Factbook here: https://ballotpedia.org/Oklahoma_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook 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: Ballotpedia’s communications team takes over On the Ballot to kick off National Voter Education Week with guest Zoë Williamson-Crettini from the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition. Zoë joins Abby Campbell and Carley Allensworth to discuss how this national, nonpartisan initiative helps bridge the gap between being registered to vote and actually casting a ballot. They explore how SLSV equips voters with trusted, easy-to-use information, tackles misinformation and low awareness in local elections, and builds lifelong voting confidence. With nearly 600 partner organizations participating across 46 states, this year’s celebration shows that every week — and every election — is an opportunity to strengthen democracy. Learn more about National Voter Education Week: https://slsvcoalition.org/ 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: 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.