On the Ballot

Ballotpedia
  • 5.0 (4)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Primaries and How America Picks Political Candidates (It’s Complicated)

    On this episode: Primary season is officially underway in America, and Ballotpedia founder and CEO Leslie Graves joins host Norman Leahy to break down what the early 2026 results actually tell us. They dig into how primaries vary widely from state to state — open, closed, jungle, caucus, convention — and why that complexity can leave voters confused when they cross state lines. They also explore how off-cycle elections affect turnout, how an active redistricting cycle is reshaping the playing field ahead of November, and why local and down-ballot races may have more influence over everyday life than the marquee contests dominating the headlines. https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/02/20/introducing-a-new-ballotpedia-project-for-americas-250th-anniversary-the-blueprints-of-democracy/  https://ballotpedia.org/America_250_Blueprints_of_Democracy  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.

    21 min

  2. FEB 24

    Civic Blueprints: The Hidden Work Behind American Democracy

    On this episode: As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Leslie Graves announces Ballotpedia’s new American 250 initiative and Substack, Civic Blueprints, a year-long project focused on the often-overlooked mechanics — the “plumbing” — that make American democracy function. https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/02/20/introducing-a-new-ballotpedia-project-for-americas-250th-anniversary-the-blueprints-of-democracy/  https://ballotpedia.org/America_250_Blueprints_of_Democracy  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

  3. JAN 13

    Supreme Court Term Preview w/ Adam Feldman: Major Cases on Voting, Redistricting, Tariffs, and Presidential Power

    On this episode: Supreme Court scholar Adam Feldman joins the show to preview the current Supreme Court term and break down the major cases still to be argued, along with decisions expected in the months ahead. Feldman discusses cases touching on voting rights, executive authority, redistricting, and civil liberties, as well as how presidential power is shaping the court’s docket. Plus – internal court dynamics, the role of swing justices, the ‘shadow docket,’ and why Feldman thinks some of the most consequential rulings this term could come in areas that directly affect voters and everyday governance. Learn more about this term: https://ballotpedia.org/Supreme_Court_cases,_October_term_2025-2026  Follow Dr. Feldman on X: https://x.com/AdamSFeldman  Subscribe to his Substack: https://legalytics.substack.com/  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.

    23 min

  4. JAN 8

    What Google Is Learning by Studying American Values Ahead of Our 250th Birthday

    On this episode: Google Jigsaw CEO Yasmin Green and pollster Scott Rasmussen join the show to discuss their ‘We the People’ project, an effort to gather public input for the United States’ 250th anniversary – which is this year! Yasmin and Scott set out to hear from every single congressional district in the country, exploring how Americans really feel about core democratic values and how the country is functioning today. Listen to learn what they’ve uncovered thus far and what they hope to learn throughout the year.  More about Yasmin and Scott’s project:  https://wethepeople-250.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.

    29 min

  5. JAN 6

    Some Filing Deadlines for the 2026 Midterms have ALREADY Passed - Primary Calendar Preview

    On this episode: To open the new year, Almanac of American Politics writers Lou Jacobson and Rich Cohen join the show to break down how the 2026 midterm cycle is already taking shape. They explain which states have early filing deadlines on the calendar, where primaries are coming into focus, and how redistricting is reshaping the House map. Stay tuned in the second half of the show for a behind the scenes look at this year’s edition of the Almanac!  Learn more about your state: https://ballotpedia.org/State_and_federal_candidate_filing_deadlines_for_2026  Learn more about The Almanac of American Politics:  https://www.thealmanacofamericanpolitics.com/index.aspx  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.

    21 min

  6. 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

  7. 12/03/2025

    Connecticut’s Ballot Measure History: A 90% Approval Rate and a Century of Amendments

    On this episode: The latest edition of our Historical Ballot Measures series – our 10th episode — How Connecticut’s ballot measure system works and why nearly all proposed amendments pass once they reach voters. Ryan Byrne and Brandon McCauley from Ballotpedia’s Ballot Measure team explain the state’s high legislative referral threshold, key periods of constitutional change, and the next automatic convention question coming in 2028.  Explore Connecticut's Factbook here: https://ballotpedia.org/Connecticut_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook  Listen to our Historical Ballot Measure Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4  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.

    14 min

  8. 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ballotpedia
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ballotpedia
  • Show Website
    On the Ballot

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