Why Elections Systems Matter
American elections today operate much the way they did at the turn of the 20th century. Our work is aimed at modernizing elections systems, with a focus on three areas:
- Helping states improve voter registration systems, including maintaining accurate lists in a time of increased mobility;
- Collaborating with technology companies and state election offices to provide voters with easy access to official election information; and
- Strengthening research on election administration and developing data measures to provide an empirical assessment of how well our nation is conducting elections.
How We Conduct Our Work
- Policy Advocacy. In the states, we advocate for data-driven policies that make the best use of taxpayer resources while ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, convenience, security, and efficiency.
- Innovative Tools. We work with election officials, academics, and technology specialists to develop tools that help states streamline election processes and make the most of 21st-century technology.
- Research. We conduct policy-relevant research to identify areas of strength and weakness in current elections systems and to evaluate possible solutions. The findings help states improve the way elections are administered in the U.S.
- Information Sharing. Through events, online Election Data Dispatches, interactive graphics, and public appearances, we lead a national conversation on the importance of improved election systems. In doing so, we serve as a resource to state policy makers and election administrators making data-driven policy decisions.
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The LATEST from the Project
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Fewer Minnesota Absentee Ballots Rejected in 2012 Election
A recent report from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of the State found that even though more than twice as many absentee ballots were cast in 2012 than in 2010, fewer were rejected in last November’s general election. more
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- Data Visualizations
- Election Initiatives
Infographic: Online Lookup Tools For Voters 2012
How do voters find the information they need on and before Election Day? Third in a series of reports on this subject, Pew outlines which online election tools are made available for voters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Which tools does your state offer? more
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Prince William County, VA, 2012 Election Analysis
Like its neighbor Fairfax County, Prince William County, VA, established a bipartisan task force to examine long lines faced by some of its voters at the polls during last November’s general election. more
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
North Carolina Provisional Ballots
North Carolina provides access on its board of elections website to some of the most detailed elections data in the country. This includes information about provisional ballots cast, such as not only the number but also why they were issued—hard-to-find data in most states.
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Early Ballots and Provisional Voting in Pima County, AZ
After the November 2012 election, Pima County, AZ, joined its neighbor, Maricopa County, in providing detailed postelection data, specifically related to provisional ballots more
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Long Lines at the Polls in Fairfax County, VA
A recently released report from the Bipartisan Election Process Improvement Commission of Fairfax County, VA, identified several reasons voters faced long lines at the polls during last November’s election. more -
- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Provisional Ballot Use Increases in Nevada County, CA
Nevada County, CA, released a report analyzing its elections over the past decade. The study found that although the number of registered voters and ballots cast remained steady, the number of provisional ballots issued increased significantly.
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Johnson County, KS, Elections
Brian Newby, elections commissioner in Johnson County, KS, recently reached a milestone. Since he became commissioner in January 2005, the county has administered 50 elections, but only 26 of these were planned.
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Most Election Jurisdictions Have Small Populations
Recent data confirm previous research showing that most election jurisdictions have a relatively small electorate. more
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- Dispatch
- Election Initiatives
Maryland Releases 2012 Elections Data
Maryland recently released its 2012 election administration and voting survey, becoming the first state to make its 2012 data available to the public online. more
