American Democracy Minute A 90 second radio news report & podcast on U.S. democracy issues %

Since the Last Election, Cycle States Made Changes to Mail-In Ballot Processing Rules to Speed Things Up, But It Still Takes Extra Time.

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026

About 30% of Americans voted by mail in 2024, and mail-in voting is a proven way to increase citizen participation in elections. States adopting universal mail ballots have seen participation increase from 8% in Colorado to 20% in Oregon. While states made changes to speed up processing, the fact remains that mail-in ballots take extra time to count.

‘I’ve Been Blocked from Voting. What do I do?’ 866-Our-Vote is a Lifeline For Voters, and Supported by Hundreds of Nonpartisan Pro-Voter Groups

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026

With our own federal government posturing to interfere with the 2026 midterms at the polls and in the courts, it’s important that voters understand their rights. A coalition of 300 nonpartisan pro-voter groups runs 866-Our-Vote, a website and hotline for voter information, including for citizens experiencing barriers to voting.

Didn’t Pre-Register to Vote in Time? Half of U.S. States Allow Election Day Voter Registration & Voting, but You’ll Need the Right Documents

November 1, 2026November 1, 2026

Election day is here. For citizens who wish to vote but are still not registered, 24 states and DC offer election day voter registration for general elections. But doing so requires a voter to dig up the necessary documents before heading to the polls.

Polling Shows Hispanic Voters Are Experiencing More Anxiety About the Economy and Other Issues. They’re Responding by Turning Out to Vote.

October 29, 2026October 29, 2026

Polling is showing more anxiety about the economy among Hispanic voters, compared to their White counterparts. As a result, 2026 early turnout figures are showing a surge in Hispanic voters over 2022 and 2024.

DOJ Now Asks Washington State to ‘Segregate’ Ballots from Over 400 Alleged Noncitizens; SOS Says Timing is to ‘Cast Unfounded Suspicion’

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026

With Washington State’s ballots already in the mail, the U.S. Department of Justice is asking the state to “segregate” mail-in ballots from 405 registered voters that DOJ says have voted illegally. Unlike California, there’s no threat of a lawsuit – yet.