On the Ballot

Ballotpedia

On the Ballot with Ballotpedia connects people to politics by providing neutral, nonpartisan, and reliable information on our government, how it works, and where it’s headed. This year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Stream On the Ballot wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have any questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to send it to us at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on Twitter.

  1. 12/10/2025

    What’s Next for Redistricting Nationwide After the Supreme Court Allows Texas’ New Map for 2026

    On this episode: Texas Tribune reporter Gabby Birenbaum explains the Supreme Court’s decision allowing Texas to use its new congressional map for the 2026 elections and how that ruling has scrambled the state’s delegation. She walks through reshuffled primaries, retiring incumbents, and where Republicans and Democrats see new opportunities. Birenbaum also breaks down redistricting battles still unfolding in states like Missouri, Indiana, Florida, and California, and shares what she’s watching in Congress and in Texas as the 2026 cycle takes shape Learn more about the story in Texas: https://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_in_Texas_ahead_of_the_2026_elections  Read Gabby’s reporting: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/05/texas-democrats-decisions-supreme-court-redistricting/  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    16 min
  2. 11/24/2025

    Looking Ahead to 2026 – Office Hours w/ Leslie Graves

    On this episode: Ballotpedia founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins Office Hours to outline how the organization is preparing for the 2026 elections — a cycle that begins earlier than most people realize. We cover expanding comprehensive candidate coverage, growing our volunteer program, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Read Leslie’s Column: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves  Check out our complete office hours series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMO2t_0SXnYhwMv6HHgIoL75  Are you running for office, or struggling to find information for a candidate? Send them our Candidate Connection Survey or take it yourself: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection  Looking to get involved? Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Ballotpedia here: https://ballotpedia.org/Support:Volunteer  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    17 min
  3. 11/19/2025

    Voter Turnout Trends and Key Takeaways from the 2025 Elections

    On this episode: In this two-part episode, we examine what the November 4th elections tell us about voter turnout, shifts within key states, and how voters are engaging ahead of 2026. In the first half, AP data reporter Maya Sweedler walks through notable patterns in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City — including precinct-level movement, demographic trends, and how the Associated Press visualizes election results using population-focused mapping. She highlights where turnout was unusually high, how different communities participated, and which long-term trends held or broke in 2025. In the second half, Vote.org CEO Andrea Haley discusses what her organization observed from millions of users during this cycle. She details increased interest in ballot information tools, usage patterns among younger voters, and broader factors that may explain why participation rose in several states. She also outlines the questions Vote.org is tracking as the 2026 midterms approach. Explore our coverage of the ‘25 Elections:https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025 Read Maya’s reporting: https://apnews.com/article/election-2025-results-takeaways-charts-e440e2b57f751acb5e173ab35aab1bc6 Learn more about Vote.org: https://www.vote.org/  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    28 min
  4. 11/12/2025

    How the Supreme Court’s Tariffs Case Could Redefine Presidential Power and Trade w/ Brennan Center’s Liza Goitein

    On this episode: The Supreme Court is considering a major separation-of-powers case that could redefine the limits of presidential authority during national emergencies, and help define what exactly constitutes a national emergency. Learning Resources v. Trump challenges President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner — tariffs justified largely by declaring a series of national emergencies. At issue is whether the law gives the president the power to impose tariffs without explicit congressional approval, and how far courts can go in reviewing those emergency declarations. Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, explains the oral arguments made on November 5th, how their eventual decision could affect Trump’s tariffs and future presidents, and what the ruling might mean for the balance of power between Congress and the Executive Branch. Learn more about the case: https://ballotpedia.org/Learning_Resources,_Inc._v._Trump Read Liza’s analysis: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/whats-stake-supreme-court-tariffs-case  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    18 min
  5. 11/10/2025

    Government Shutdown Latest: Senate Deal Advances, House Decision Looms w/ Axios’ Hans Nichols

    On this episode: Axios reporter Hans Nichols joins the show to unpack how the Senate advanced a plan to end the government shutdown over the weekend and where things go from here, as several hurdles remain between now and the government actually reopening. Nichols discusses what happens next with SNAP benefits and Affordable Care Act tax credits, how both parties are looking at where things stand, and how the Senate deal may impact January’s next funding deadline. Plus – how cost-of-living concerns could shape the fight over spending and set the stage for the 2026 midterms. Check out our latest on the Shutdown: https://ballotpedia.org/Federal_government_shutdown,_2025 Read Hans’ reporting: https://www.axios.com/authors/hnichols  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    17 min
  6. 11/07/2025

    Democratic Wave? 2025 Election Takeaways on Polling Misses, Redistricting, and What’s Next

    On this episode: Political analyst Miles Coleman from the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics and Sabato’s Crystal Ball breaks down the results of this November’s elections, from Virginia and New Jersey to major ballot measures across the country. He explains why polling missed the mark in some races, what surprised him most about the results, and how redistricting in California and Virginia could reshape congressional control heading into 2026. The conversation also explores trends around affordability, voter turnout, and what these outcomes reveal about the shifting strengths and challenges for both parties going into the Midterms.  Explore nationwide results: https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025  Check out Sabato’s analysis: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/dem-wave-hits-virginia-new-jersey-and-elsewhere-a-dozen-house-ratings-shift-in-california-following-approval-of-new-dem-map/  Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6  Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates  Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    20 min
  7. 11/03/2025

    Keep an Eye on Local Elections this Week – Office Hours w/ Leslie Graves

    On this episode: Ballotpedia founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins the show to reflect on the November elections and what the results could reveal about voter engagement across the country. She discusses Ballotpedia’s coverage of major races and ballot measures in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and Texas, and how the team is preparing for a busy 2026 cycle. From local contests to national trends, Graves explains how Ballotpedia is expanding its election coverage and helping voters access clear, reliable information about every race on their ballots. Read Leslie’s Column: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves Check out our complete office hours series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMO2t_0SXnYhwMv6HHgIoL75 Are you running for office, or struggling to find information for a candidate? Send them our Candidate Connection Survey or take it yourself: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection Looking to get involved? Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Ballotpedia here: https://ballotpedia.org/Support:Volunteer Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia. *On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

On the Ballot with Ballotpedia connects people to politics by providing neutral, nonpartisan, and reliable information on our government, how it works, and where it’s headed. This year, we're hoping to learn more about what our audience and what topics you want us to tackle. Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Stream On the Ballot wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have any questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to send it to us at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on Twitter.

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