U.S. Elections
The fights over elections, governing power and public trust.
Darline Graham keeps South Carolina's Senate race headed to an August runoff ballot after no candidate cleared 50%.
Context Why it mattersThe winner is set to face Democrat Annie Andrews for a full Senate term.
Next What to watchElection officials still must identify the second finalist before the August 25 ballot.
Guide library
Colorado River Cuts
Federal rules turn Lake Mead forecasts into water cuts affecting tribal rights, city pipes and farms statewide
Aug 1 · Guide
Senate Confirmations, Explained
A president moves a nominee into the Senate appointment pipeline while a public office waits for confirmation
Jul 30 · Guide
Mail Ballots
State election rules require voters to request or receive mail ballots before return deadlines decide whether envelopes count
Jul 28 · Guide
How War Powers Votes Work
Congress votes over military force when war authority meets public money and presidential command under security risk
Jul 24 · Guide
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