6 Election Day reporting do’s and don’ts
“Reporting on election night results may be the most pivotal task of the entire campaign season,” writes media scholar Thomas Patterson. He shares six tips for doing so carefully and responsibly.
Politics & Government
Research roundups, tip sheets, articles and explainers related to the topic of politics, elections, and local and national governments
Expert Commentary
Covering felony disenfranchisement: 4 takeaways from our webinar with The Marshall Project
Research, data, history and the law: Here’s what you need to know to report on felony disenfranchisement. Plus, check out the video if you missed the webinar.
Expert Commentary
How The Associated Press calls elections
In this recording of a recent webinar, journalists from The Associated Press and two large local newspapers share insights on how the AP calls races in the U.S, how the count and certification process works, and how reporters across the country use and convey that information.
Expert Commentary
Young voters and colleges’ efforts to boost turnout: A research roundup with 5 story ideas
We gathered research and interviewed researchers to help reporters cover voters under age 30. Keep reading for insights on their voting habits, colleges’ efforts to raise voting rates and stories researchers say newsrooms need to cover.
Expert Commentary
Ranked choice voting: An explainer and 3 tips for reporters
Dozens of municipalities and two states have adopted ranked choice voting in recent years, and the system is on the ballot in six states and Washington, D.C. this November. Here’s the recent research you need to know to enhance your coverage.
Expert Commentary
Resources to help journalists cover the 2024 US election
Our 2024 election collection includes resources to help you cover surveys and opinion polls, voting issues, election administration issues, local elections, and ballot measure topics.
Expert Commentary
5 basic things journalists need to know about polls and surveys
Want to learn about the benefits and pitfalls of poll and survey research? Read on for insights from a political scientist, a social psychologist, a statistician and an investigative journalist.
Expert Commentary
When can your state start processing advance ballots? Check out this interactive timeline
Find out when your state can start processing advance ballots for the November 2024 general election. States that get their advance ballots ready sooner will be able to count those votes and report results faster come Election Day.
Expert Commentary
Election Beat 2024: Remember to cover voter registration deadlines
In the lead-up to Election Day in the U.S., it’s important for journalists to remind their audiences of voter registration deadlines in each state, writes media scholar Thomas Patterson in this research-based commentary.
Expert Commentary
The growing role of health care settings in voter registration: A research roundup
There’s a growing recognition that health care institutions can play an important role in mobilizing voters. We summarize studies that highlight these efforts and their outcomes.
Expert Commentary