U.S. Elections
The fights over elections, governing power and public trust.
A federal judge rules the remaining Proud Boys convictions cannot stand after Trump's clemency erased every federal Jan. 6 prosecution.
Context Why it mattersKelly called the Capitol riot a perilous assault on the constitutional requirement for peaceful presidential transfers.
Status Where it standsKelly said dismissal did not endorse the Justice Department's choice; the order closes the landmark prosecution.
Guide library
Filling a Senate Vacancy
When a senator leaves office, a state must protect voters’ representation by starting a vacancy process under constitutional and state rules
Jul 13 · Guide
What the Election Assistance Commission Does
EAC cutaway: a federal agency supports election officials and voters through voting-system rules, lab tests and public administration records
Jul 11 · Guide
Federal Race and Ethnicity Data, Explained
Federal race and ethnicity data turns self-identification into government rules for civil rights, redistricting, programs and policy decisions
Jul 9 · Guide
Immigration Detention, Explained
ICE moves people into federal immigration detention after targeted arrests, putting court access and release decisions on one track
Jun 22 · Guide
Primary Election Machinery
In a primary, voters vote before November as party rules shape which candidates reach the ballot
Jun 10 · Guide
How Election Results Are Certified
For voters, certification is the legal gate: election-night returns stay unofficial until officials reconcile ballots and sign the result
Jun 8 · Guide
How Court Injunctions Work
Court injunctions are orders a judge can issue to pause or require conduct before final judgment
Jun 8 · Guide
How Ukraine Aid Bills Move Through Congress
A Ukraine aid bill turns a security promise into a document that sets money, authority, delivery paths and oversight
Jun 5 · Guide
Immigration Enforcement Funding, Explained
Congress turns federal budget money into DHS and ICE enforcement capacity, affecting detention beds, transport routes and court oversight
Jun 5 · Guide
Budget Reconciliation, Explained
Congress moves federal money policy through reconciliation: a fast-track bill for taxes, spending, deficits and debt limits
Jun 5 · Guide
The Electoral College, Explained
Public voters choose state results, but the rule turns those ballots into elector slates; the 270-vote threshold decides the presidency
Jun 4 · Guide
Redistricting, explained
After census counts, state map drawers change districts; the new map can split voters before elections
Jun 4 · Guide
How Medicaid Is Funded
Medicaid is a federal-state funding map: states run coverage under federal rules, and Washington matches qualifying costs
Jun 4 · Guide
The Filibuster, Explained
In the Senate, unlimited debate can block or delay a public bill even after a majority is ready to vote
Jun 4 · Guide