Idaho judge orders release of police employment records to InvestigateWest, Invisible Institute
The state began withholding the records following a 2025 InvestigateWest series about sexual misconduct by prison staff
State of Democracy
An Oregon county backs ‘Greater Idaho’ talks, as another schedules a vote
Twelve counties in the state have now voted to support efforts to change Oregon’s border with Idaho.
New coalition seeks to end Idaho’s closed primary elections
Idahoans for Open Primaries will attempt to qualify a ballot initiative for the November 2024 election
GOP, Dems raise concerns about new law eliminating Idaho’s March presidential primary election
Idaho Democratic leader calls for special legislative session to clarify presidential primary process
Oregon open primaries supporters start fresh with 2024 ballot measure
Nonaffiliated voters are the largest bloc but are currently barred from voting in most primary elections
Lobbying email from Oregon secretary of state’s office raises eyebrows in Salem
The email to customers asked them to support the office’s budget request
Despite setbacks, far-right extremists are winning positions in mainstream Northwest politics
Militia groups, Christian nationalists, anti-vaccine activists and other conspiracy theorists in the Pacific Northwest have all started working together and are forging new connections with the formal political class.
As election deniers target the U.S. voter database, WA worries
Washington state isn’t pulling out of the Electronic Registration Information Center, but the impact might still be felt here.
Wyden, Blumenauer try again to export Oregon mail voting, automatic registration to rest of U.S.
Mail voting has grown in popularity since the COVID pandemic began
Could 2023 be the year Oregon restores voting rights to people with felony convictions?
Similar efforts stalled in 2021 and 2022, but civil rights groups are optimistic about their chances
All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have
Of the 24,000 residents with felony records now able to vote, just 414 did so last fall. Advocates hope to increase registration and voter education.
Oregon teen’s activism could lead to lower voting age
Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, agreed to sponsor a constitutional amendment