They're still counting votes in Washington state, but elsewhere the results of the November elections are in: 2005 will bring another year of divided state government and likely more legislative gridlock. This year's elections also are expected to change the way state-level campaigns are run in the future, as both parties expect key statehouse races to attract more attention from big-spending outside political groups, commonly known as 527s. more

Big-money politics, expensive television advertising and special interest pressure are creeping into state judicial elections. A new report documents record amounts of money flowing into campaigns for justices for some states' highest courts, raising questions about whether judgeships are becoming too political. In the 38 states to elect their high court judges, reforms are slow in coming. more

Oregon and Washington are known for allowing voting by mail, but the trend is growing -- 20 other states also allow voters to mail in ballots for any reason to make choosing elected officials more convenient. more

Election officials in two states and host of cities, towns and counties holding elections tomorrow (11/6) have put in place a number of voting reforms to avert "another Florida" as they prepare for the first major balloting since Republican George Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in last year's disputed presidential race. more