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Guest writer Sal Peralta harbors an enduring interest in public policy, reflected in a long record of public involvement. He helped found the Independent Party of Oregon ...

The state’s election watchdog has the power to issue subpoenas, but doesn't use it. It doesn't send investigators -- it just sends letters.

We need better media coverage, but also better electoral systems

Language tucked into a bill on ballot-measure donors preempts lower city and county campaign contribution limits that had been enacted by voters.

Republican states with major democratic metropolitan centers forestall local efforts to reform election law.

At Mutlnomah County, citizen involvement spiraled out of control last year.

Abbott says local district attorneys have the authority to enforce his ban on local mask mandates. But urban DAs are unlikely to go after their fellow local officials.

Virginia is one of 10 states with no contribution limits on individual donors to political candidates and one of just five with no limits on contributions by corporations.

The ruling reverses an earlier decision that barred the limits. The county elections division will implement the $500 individual cap on campaign contributions, spending limits and disclosure requirements for candidates moving forward.

Virginia is one of 10 states with no contribution limits on individual donors to political candidates and one of just five with no limits on contributions by corporations.

After Broward County officials voted to impose a mandate on face coverings, Gov. Ron DeSantis threatened to revoke their pay.

Back-and-forth legal rulings have left some school districts with the choice of flouting Abbott and mandating masks — or waiting for the dust to settle.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit by parents challenging his ban on strict mask mandates in schools, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction over the issue.

Austin ISD's mask mandate not affected by court's ruling.

COVID hospitalizations reach the highest levels since Jan.

Internal emails show a tax-funded agency created to educate people about forestry has acted as a public-relations agency and lobbying arm for Oregon's timber industry, in some cases skirting legal constraints that forbid it from doing so.

Eighteen states have already enacted 30 laws this year that will make it harder for Americans to vote.

Biden needs to use his bully pulpit to get federal voting rights legislation passed before it’s too late.

The state is using powers under its controversial new election law that could usurp the authority of local officials.

G.O.P. lawmakers in at least eight states controlled by the party are trying to gain broad influence over the mechanics of voting, in an effort that could further undermine the country’s democratic norms.

In Georgia, Republicans are removing Democrats of color from local boards. In Arkansas, they have stripped election control from county authorities. And they are expanding their election power in many other states.

The federal courts recently hammered three more nails into the coffin of democracy of, by and for the people.