Archive for April 2013

A new analysis of Maryland data by GMU’s Michael McDonald illuminates the impact of online voter registration; namely, that it benefits new and existing voters – but that important distinctions exist depending on who voters are and where they live.

A new bill in Florida would shield voter e-mails from the public record as part of an effort to bring personalized sample ballots to voters. The bill has overwhelming support from legislators but has drawn the ire of First Amendment advocates.

A new investigative unit is taking aim at the New York City Board of Elections – yet another chapter in the long-running struggle with the Mayor and the city press.

New legislation in Arkansas and Florida would give states authority to discipline local election officials for election problems. Local officials are coming together across party lines to fight those provisions.

The cost of low-turnout special elections – political, fiscal and otherwise – is starting to get more attention across the country.

A recent erroneous mailing in Portland, and the consternation it caused, illustrates the peril and promise of using multiple data sources to maintain voter rolls – as well as the steps election offices can take to avoid similar issues of their own.

A new Tennessee state report apparently critical of Davidson County’s election official caught the County Board of Elections by surprise and led the targeted official to seek counsel.

Timing is everything – and the bad timing of a roof collapse in Stark County, OH will end up costing $250,000 for equipment rental to run a May primary. NASS is convening an emergency preparedness task force to study this and related issues.

Walsh County, ND is scrambling to identify the source of a discrepancy that has put the results of last November’s election in doubt.

Digital agency EngageDC has produced a fascinating graphic of Election Day 2012 using information from the Voting Information Project. In particular, data on polling place traffic is illuminating on when voters vote – valuable intelligence for election officials.