Stateline Headlines

After Obama Vow, Washington Weighs Role in Election Management

President Obama has brought renewed attention to the issue of voting difficulties around the country, and in the process has set in motion a variety of proposals to change election law.

Voters Approve More State Debt

Voters in New Jersey and Alabama heed their governors’ call and approve bond issues as a way to boost their states’ economies.

Democrats Make Incremental Gains in Legislatures; Republicans Win in South

This year’s state legislative elections weren’t a sweep for either party. But both managed some important pickups.

Historic Gay Marriage, Marijuana Measures Win Approval

After years of rejecting same-sex marriage at the ballot box, three states endorse it.

Day of Decision in the States

Stateline provides overview of state races in the 2012 elections. Voters will pick new governors, legislators and judges. In many states, they will also weigh in on issues such as same-sex marriage, marijuana, taxes, labor rules, assisted suicide, the death penalty and labels for modified food.

In Legislative Elections, Majorities and Supermajorities at Stake

In a small group of chambers in about a dozen states, Democrats and Republicans may swap legislative majorities. Elsewhere, the main drama will be just how large the majority party’s advantage will be.

Sandy Causes Troubles for State Elections Officials

After churning through the East Coast and leaving millions without electricity, Hurricane Sandy left elections officials with major obstacles, particularly in states where early voting was already under way. Here’s a look at states where voting has been affected.

Bond Measures Put Some Governors’ Clout on Line

Some governors are urging voters to approve bond issues as way to boost their states’ economies.

Infographic: Ballot Measures Gave Voters Say on Divisive Issues

Voters in 38 states will decide 174 statewide ballot measures on Election Day. Are any on your ballot?

Obama's and Romney’s Tax Plans: What Do They Mean for States?

Overlooked during the presidential campaigns is how Obama and Romney’s tax proposals could affect states. Here’s a look.

States Brace for Huge Legislative Turnover

Once-a-decade redistricting, term limits and the national election are expected to cause significant legislative turnover in states on Election Day. Some worry about the loss of experience and influence, but others applaud creating opportunities for fresh ideas.

Federal Court Clears South Carolina Voter ID Law

A federal court has cleared the way for South Carolina’s voter ID law to be in place in 2013, despite the Justice Department’s decision to oppose the law.

Are Voter ID Opponents Winning the Battle but Losing the War?

Voter ID opponents have won high-profile court battles, but may be losing ground on the longer-term legal fight against the laws.

Obama vs. Romney: Issues Key to States (Infographic)

On a variety of issues, President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney are pushing competing proposals that would profoundly affect states.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Democrats Seeking Comeback in State Legislatures

Republicans won landslide victories in legislative chambers two years ago. Democrats hope to reverse some of the results in November. In many states, though, it won’t be easy.

Legislatures May Soon See Many New Faces

An extraordinary number of state legislators may lose their seats this year, but neither Republicans nor Democrats are likely to make big gains in the number of state legislative chambers each controls.

Christie Headlines Romney Event With GOP Governors

Ten Republican governors joined Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, for a rally and fundraiser in Colorado Thursday (August 3), but most of the attention seemed focused on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Romney gave Christie, who is often mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick

How Ready Are States for the 2012 Election?

It’s highly likely that there will be more close elections in the states — and more election technology that will fail to perform as designed, according to a new report.

Governor Touts Massachusetts’ Success, Stumps for Obama

Americans will decide the fate of the American Dream this November, said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in a speech to a progressive legal society in Washington, D.C. Thursday.

Ruling Drops 200 Candidates From S.C. Ballot

South Carolina voters head to the polls for primary elections today. What’s missing is most of the candidates. Two decisions by the South Carolina Supreme Court—one in May and another earlier this month—removed more than 200 challengers for state legislature and local offices from today’s contests.

Public-Sector Issues Erupt in Presidential Campaign

President Obama and GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney both found themselves over the weekend explaining comments they made involving the public sector.

Walker Win in Wisconsin Tops Historic Primary Day

In one of the busiest election days of 2012 and one of the most historic, voters in Wisconsin decided not to recall their Republican governor who set off a national debate by curtailing collective bargaining rights for state public employees. Voters in six other states also went to the polls.

More Voter ID Laws Enacted in the South

Two more Republican governors sign legislation making sure voters show proper identification before they cast their ballots.

Alabama’s Past, Future on the Ballot

Alabama voters will get the chance this fall to rid their state constitution of antiquated references to the “telegraph” and use of the gold standard and eliminate racist language adopted during the time of Jim Crow laws.

Dire Warnings in Alabama Budget Vote

Alabama’s leaders want to transfer oil and gas revenues to the state’s beleaguered general fund. But voters have to approve the deal.

Alabamans Consider Cutting Segregation Language

Alabama voters this fall will get another chance to rid its state constitution of segregation language that was adopted along with other Jim Crow laws.

In Alaska, Bipartisanship on the Ballot

An unusual coalition of Republicans and Democrats has led the Alaska Senate for six years, but many conservative Republicans hope it won’t continue for a seventh.

U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arizona Voter Registration Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether states may require a would-be voter to first prove their citizenship — a case likely to answer larger questions about the sometimes conflicting roles of state and federal governments in regulating elections.

Arizona Ballot Measure Challenges the Federal Government Over Public Lands

Most western states remain uncomfortable with federal stewardship of their land. A group of activists wants to rewrite the Arizona constitution to change the rules.

Arizona Conservatives Face Triple Threat

Two ballot initiatives and new district maps for legislative elections will together test conservative Republicans’ hold on the Arizona state legislature in November.

Following Racially Charged Writings, Three Arkansas Candidates Lose GOP Funding

Arkansas Republicans have run into a stumbling block in their quest to take control of the state legislature: the racially charged writings of three of their candidates for the statehouse.

States Challenge ‘Secret’ Campaign Money

With the rise in undisclosed political spending by non-profit groups, officials in several states are trying to figure where the money is coming from.

California Reconsiders “Three Strikes”

Voters in California will decide whether to revise the state’s “three strikes” law, largely considered to be the nation’s harshest on repeat offenders. Polling is strong for revision, but many police officers, victims’ advocates and district attorneys oppose the change.

School Budgets Are on the Ballot in California

Two ballot initiatives would raise taxes in California over the next several years to increase funding for schools.

A Fight Over Food Labels in California

A ballot measure to require labeling of genetically modified foods has brought big money and prominent players to the table.

Dueling Tax Measures Added to California Ballot

As California struggles to dig itself out of a $16 billion hole, three initiatives up for a vote in November are asking taxpayers to bear more of the cost. But competition between the measures could challenge all of them.

A Marijuana Revolt?

Colorado, Oregon and Washington voters will decide this November if they want to decriminalize and regulate marijuana production and possession, which could generate millions in state revenue. But any of these initiatives would put the states in conflict with federal law, which classifies marijuana as a controlled substance with no acceptable medical use.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

In Some States, Election Season Could Linger Long After Tuesday

Here’s a look at several states whose elections may remain undecided long after Tuesday night.

Religious Liberty Emerges as Sensitive Political Issue

Freedom of religion is a universal American ideal, but there is growing disagreement about just what it means.

Florida Poised to Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker

With a narrow victory in the Democratic primary, a Miami Beach CPA is set to become Florida’s first openly gay state legislator.

Conservative Activists Take Aim at Florida Justices

Judicial retention elections, which used to be just a formality, are becoming much more competitive and expensive. In Florida, conservative activists are targeting three members of the state’s Supreme Court.

Georgia Ponders Spending Billions on Roads and Rails

Voters will decide July 31 whether to pay more sales taxes to pay for dozens of road and rail improvements aimed at reducing congestion.

Idaho Education Changes Under Attack

Last year Idaho passed comprehensive new education laws aimed at altering classroom practices. Now there’s an effort to repeal them at the polls.

Ill. Campaign Finance Limits Remain Through Election, Court Rules

A federal appeals court refused a request to overturn a lower court’s preliminary injunction against a 2009 law limitng individual donations to $5,000, while allowing $10,000 from unions or corporations and $50,000 from political action committees.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

A Labor Challenge to Republicans in Indiana

In some states, labor unions have decided the best way to regain influence may be to work on the Republican Party from within.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

In Kansas, a Redistricting Battle Like No Other

While nearly every other state is done with the once-a-decade redrawing of its political districts, Kansas Republicans can’t seem to come to an agreement.

Changing Black Attitudes Could Boost Same-Sex Marriage in Maryland

In just the last year, attitudes of black voters toward same-sex marriage have shifted. The size of that shift could decide whether same-sex couples can marry in Maryland next year.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

Advocates of physician-assisted suicide are taking on entrenched opposition as they seek a high-profile victory in Massachusetts.

Mass. Governor Touts His Own—and Obama’s— Record at Convention

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick used the Democratic National Convention’s primetime spotlight to do more than predictably heap praise on Barack Obama and sling arrows toward Mitt Romney. In an 11-minute speech Tuesday night, Patrick also worked in plenty of kind words for his own administration.

Voters Give New Detroit Bridge a Green Light

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s plans to add a second bridge for cars and trucks between Detroit and Canada are moving forward, after the governor and his allies defeated a $33 million campaign to block it.

On the Ballot (And in the Constitution?): Michigan’s Energy Future

Renewable energy advocates will be looking to Michigan on Tuesday (November 6), hoping its voters validate a bold experiment in growing the state’s renewable energy portfolio: If at first you’re stymied at the statehouse, just but it on the ballot — and in the constitution.

Michigan Unions Seek Constitutional Protection

A ballot measure in Michigan would give labor’s collective bargaining rights an almost impregnable status.

Super-Sized Majorities Shift Legislative Power

After he was reelected by a comfortable margin on Tuesday, Democrat Jay Nixon will serve four more years as governor of Missouri. Whether he’ll really be leading the state, however, is open to debate. Even as Nixon was winning, Missouri Republicans triumphed in enough legislative races to secure a veto-proof two-th

Montana’s Oil Boom Reshapes Race for Governor

BILLINGS, Montana — Montana’s next governor must capitalize on the current oil boom, build infrastructure to keep it going and develop industries that will make Montana less susceptible to market highs and lows.

Obama Moves Shake Up Maryland Dream Act Debate

A major shift in U.S. immigration policy from the White House could have repercussions for a ballot measure in Maryland in November that would let undocumented students qualify for in-state tuition.

Dollars in the Desert: Nevada State Senate Contest Rakes in Big Money

Outside money is pouring into the most expensive state legislative campaign in Nevada. Will it determine the outcome?

North Dakota Voters Sidestep Controversies

On an Election Day that featured intraparty legislative races in several states, North Dakota voters shied away from several controversies over the University of North Dakota's “Fighting Sioux” nickname, protections for religious liberty and local property taxes.

Tax Pledge Permeates New Hampshire Politics

New Hampshire has no income tax or sales tax. The candidates for governor want to keep it that way. But despite that, the debate over taxes never really goes away.

Out-Of-State Students May Vote in New Hampshire, Judge Rules

Out of state students in New Hampshire will be able to vote in November, a state judge ruled Monday, reversing the legislature’s attempt to say otherwise.

In New Hampshire, a Primary Full of Unfamiliarity

John Lynch, New Hampshire’s popular moderate Democratic governor, is not seeking reelection this year, creating a window of opportunity for Republicans wishing to take back the office.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

Cory Booker Hints at N.J. Governor Run

Newark Mayor Corey Booker has floated another hint that he’ll run for Governor in 2013, challenging Republican Chris Christie in what would be a high-profile clash of rising political stars.

New York’s Three Primaries Cost Counties, Confuse Voters

New York State is holding primaries three times this year. Hardly anyone is happy about it.

GOP, Koch brothers find there's nothing finer than Carolina

Should State Education Chiefs Be Elected?

Thirteen states choose their top education official in a partisan campaign. Some people think that makes little sense, but it’s very hard to change.

North Carolina Democrats Face Uphill Climb in Governor’s Race

Neither state party is very popular in the Tar Heel State these days, but Republicans seem to have the advantage.

Judge Allows Election Day Campaigning in North Dakota

A federal judge has prohibited North Dakota officials from enforcing a century-old state law that makes campaigning on Election Day illegal, calling it a violation of free speech.

Will North Dakota Be the First State to End Property Taxes?

Anti-tax activists are supporting a measure on the ballot that would represent a huge change in tax policy. Most of the state’s politically influential people and groups are opposing them.

Supreme Court Denies Ohio Plea to Shorten Early Voting

The U.S. Supreme Court has rebuffed Ohio’s last-ditch attempt to shorten its early voting period, confirming victory for the Obama Administration which argued the move would disproportionally affect minority and low-income would-be voters — those more likely to vote Democratic.

Ohio Must Count “Right Place Wrong-Precinct” Ballots, Fed Court Says

Ohio elections officials must count provisional ballots with errors caused by elections officials, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

Federal Court Reinstates Early Voting in Ohio

Ohio counties can keep polls open for early voting the three days before Election Day, a federal appeals court ruled Friday, handing Democrats another victory in their battle to undo new restrictions on voting passed by Republican-led state legislatures.

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Oregon Representative Tina Kotek is poised to join openly gay lawmakers in Colorado and Washington as a leader of a state legislative chamber.

Oregon to Vote on Changing Unique Tax Refund

For many years, Oregon has been the only state in the country where tax revenue that exceeds what the state estimated it would collect is automatically refunded to taxpayers. For many years, much of Oregon’s political leadership has complained that

Voter ID Rulings Vex Administrators Ahead of Election Day

Recent court rulings and ongoing lawsuits have prompted widespread concerns about whether election laws can work smoothly next Tuesday.

Sandusky Case Influences Pennsylvania Contest for Attorney General

Neither candidate for Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement post has anything to do with the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case. But it’s the main thing they talk about.

Pa. Voter ID Law Blocked Before Election

A state judge Tuesday blocked the GOP-backed requirement that Pennsylvania voters present photo identification at the polls, landing the latest blow to the party's efforts to tighten voter eligibility across the country.

Sponsor of Pa. Voter ID Law Says Only “Lazy” People Would Lose Chance to Vote

The sponsor of Pennsylvania’s voter identification law says only “lazy” people would be disenfranchised this November by requirements to show photo identification at the polls.

Gay Marriage Backers Lose Key Race in R.I.

Gay marriage advocates in Rhode Island suffered a tough setback on Tuesday in a Democratic primary race expected to impact the legislature’s looming debate over whether to allow same-sex couples to marry in the state.

Federal Court Dumps Texas Political Map

A federal court on Tuesday tossed out Texas’ redistricting plans, saying the state’s new political boundaries undercut the political influence of Latinos and Blacks.

School Ruling Roils Race for Washington Governor

School funding is playing an outsized role in the Washington gubernatorial race, but it may be a while before new money comes from Olympia.

Other Elections Besides Walker Recall

Voters will also decide ballot measures, five state legislative primaries and a gubernatorial primary in Montana.

Infographic: Thirty Years of State Recalls

In all of U.S. history, only two state governors have been recalled from office. Today, Wisconsin’s Scott Walker seeks to avoid becoming the third.

Wisconsin Recall Campaign Turns on Job Creation Issue

Scott Walker promised to be the job-creation governor. Two years later, he’s struggling to prove he deserves the label.

In Wisconsin, Assessing a New Labor Law’s Impact

RACINE, Wisconsin - A year after union protests swept Wisconsin's Capitol, labor and management are still grappling with the collective bargaining law that prompted the backlash. Leaders of local governments and schools enjoy having more options to balance their budgets, but state funding cuts often outweigh the benefits.