Washington's legislative maps were challenged by someone who helped draw them In Washington State, every ten years, a bipartisan commission takes the latest census data and negotiates over district lines that determine who you vote for. But in a very real sense, redistricting is about power and which voices will be heard, and catered to. The latest round of maps was finished in 2021 – but from the jump, the 15th District faced legal challenges. And in an unusual twist, it turns out one of those challenges was orchestrated by someone responsible for drawing the map in the first place. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 25 mins
'Deepfakes' want to sway your vote. Here’s how to spot them Thousands of voters in New Hampshire received voicemails last month with a recorded message from President Joe Biden. It’s nothing out of the ordinary in a big election year. There’s just one problem: The audio they heard was fake. Clare McGrane Play AudioListen 17 mins
Week in Review: Boeing, police, and primary ballots Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Seattle Times investigative reporter Patrick Malone, and KUOW’s Amy Radil and Dyer Oxley. Kevin Kniestedt Play AudioListen 52 mins
Why didn't more Washingtonians vote in the 2023 election? Turnout for this year’s November election was the lowest on record since Washington started keeping track in 1936. Statewide, 36.41% of registered voters returned their ballot in 2023. That beats the previous low of 37.1%, held in another odd-year election — 2017, and the one before that, 38.52% in 2015. So, what is it with odd-year elections and low voter turnout? Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 41 mins
Sometimes overlooked by campaigns, Native voters could decide major elections in 2024 A voting bloc that hasn't gotten as much national attention, Native voters are an influential constituency in several swing states, making them a group to watch in 2024. Ximena Bustillo
Some King County voters received mysterious mailings due to clerical error King County Elections said a “clerical error” is to blame for a recent mis-addressed mailing. The agency sent about 14,000 letters to addresses that did not match the names on the envelope. Some recipients said the mistake created confusion and could harm public trust in King County Elections. Amy Radil
Seattle school closures are a top issue for school board hopefuls. Where do the candidates stand? Four of the seven Seattle Public School board’s seven seats are up for grabs this year, and the 2023 election comes at a particularly pivotal time for Washington’s largest school district. Sami West
Helping unsheltered voters cast their ballots Election day is around the corner and it’s time to look through that voter’s pamphlet. But for unsheltered people, getting the materials and resources needed to vote can be a challenge. We’ll hear from a local organization on how they help people get registered and cast their vote. Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 12 mins
Does Washington state's ballot signature rule disenfranchise voters? On Tuesday King County Superior Court Judge Mark Larrañaga heard a case challenging Washington State’s ballot verification system as discriminatory but made no ruling. David Hyde
Rural voters lean red, young voters lean blue. So what's a young, rural voter to do? Democrats are aiming to make gains in North Carolina in 2024. And that path to victory in the state runs through its small towns and youngest voters. Here's where some of them stand. Ximena Bustillo
