elections

A 2019 naturalization ceremony in Lowell, Mass. The pandemic has put such ceremonies on hold in an election year when many new citizens vote for the first time.

With Naturalizations On Hold, Potential New Voters Sit On Sidelines

1:55pm May 28, 2020

by Ashley Lopez

An estimated 860,000 people were set to become citizens this year — with many also expected to become first-time voters. But the pandemic has put a temporary halt to naturalization ceremonies.

The Legal Fight Over Mail-In And Absentee Voting Intensifies During The Pandemic

4:55pm May 27, 2020

by Pam Fessler

As states move to expand mail-in and absentee voting in response to the pandemic, the political parties are going to court to make sure the rules do not hurt them in November.

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Since Russia's expansive influence operation during the 2016 election, Americans' usage of social media has only increased — and drastically so, as a result of the pandemic.

Politics & Government

Social Media Usage Is At An All-Time High. That Could Mean A Nightmare For Democracy

10:41am May 27, 2020

by Miles Parks

Studies show that social media polarizes its users. The pandemic means more Americans are on it than ever. What does that mean to a nation attempting to govern itself?

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Politics & Government

Twitter Flags President Trump's Tweet For The 1st Time

8:19am May 27, 2020

by Bobby Allyn

Twitter has put a warning label on a tweet by President Trump for the first time on Tuesday. The company says the tweet contains "potentially misleading information about voting processes."

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Candidate Donald Trump makes a dramatic entrance on the first night of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. His campaign hopes to replicate the scale of that event to demonstrate a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Politics & Government

Trump's Threat To Move Convention Causes Overnight Scramble

8:23pm May 26, 2020

On Friday, the RNC chairwoman was looking to local officials in Charlotte to guide convention plans. Now, the president has given North Carolina an ultimatum, as governors pitch other states to host.

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Politics & Government

Increased Social Media Usage Creates Perfect Conditions For Spread Of Misinformation

4:17pm May 26, 2020

by Miles Parks

Social media usage is at an all-time high in the U.S. and around the globe due to the pandemic. That could become a fertile ground for misinformation during this presidential election cycle.

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A voter registration volunteer in Philadelphia in 2018. New registrations had surged going into 2020 but have dropped off dramatically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Politics & Government

Pandemic Puts A Crimp On Voter Registration, Potentially Altering Electorate

11:30am May 26, 2020

by Pam Fessler

Most places where Americans usually register to vote have been closed since March. It's led to a big drop in new registrations right before an election that was expected to see record turnout.

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With months to go until the 2020 election, the presidential transition process is already underway.

Politics & Government

Behind The Scenes, Presidential Transition Planning Is Underway

10:26am May 26, 2020

by Brian Naylor

In recent years, Congress has approved laws formalizing the transition process and ensuring there is buy-in from the two major candidates, even at this stage of the campaign.

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Politics & Government

What Federal Judge's Ruling On Florida Law Restricting Felon Voting Means For Voters

3:58pm May 25, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Rev. Greg James about federal judge's ruling that challenged the law concerning the voting rights of felons in Florida.

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Officials Start Planning For The Next Presidential Transition

3:58pm May 25, 2020

by Brian Naylor

Even though Election Day 2020 is a little less than six months away, the law requires officials to start planning for the next presidential transition. It may have to be done virtually this year.

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