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Paper  

Improving Election Administrator-News Media Relationships for Effective Election Coverage

This paper explores practical mechanisms for improving the relationship between election officials and news media to increase public confidence in the electoral process.

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Issues

Voting and Elections

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Amidst a time of growing distrust and widespread misinformation around elections in the United States, the relationship between election administrators and journalists is more important than ever.

Developing effective mechanisms for communication between these groups can help build public confidence in electoral processes—and, by extension, in democracy itself.

Drawing on interviews with election officials, reporters, and communications professionals experienced in media engagement, this paper outlines key insights and practical recommendations for election officials aiming to strengthen their relationships with the press and enhance trust in elections.

More on this Issue

New Interactive Dashboard Maps the Voter Information Landscape Ahead of the 2026 Midterms 
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Case Study

New Interactive Dashboard Maps the Voter Information Landscape Ahead of the 2026 Midterms 

A new interactive dashboard maps where Americans are finding voting information and learning about key aspects of the voting process—from sourcing polling locations to voter registration—ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Developed in collaboration with the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, the National Internet Observatory at Northeastern University, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation’s Program on Democracy and the Informed Public, and The Civic Health and Institutions Project, the research offers new insights into the voter information landscape in the United States.

In Appearance Before Congress, Stephen Richer Testifies on Alleged Noncitizen Voting in New Jersey
Stephen Richer testifying before Congress.

Feature

In Appearance Before Congress, Stephen Richer Testifies on Alleged Noncitizen Voting in New Jersey

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, now an Ash Senior Fellow and election administration expert, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight. The hearing examined allegations that approximately 6,600 noncitizens were improperly registered to vote in New Jersey between June 2023 and June 2024.

 

Content Creators, Election Administration, and Voting: Can Social Media Be Used to Improve the Voter Information Environment?
Woman holding phone with a cup of coffee

Video

Content Creators, Election Administration, and Voting: Can Social Media Be Used to Improve the Voter Information Environment?

In this webinar moderated by Tova Wang, director of democratic research projects at the Ash Center, panelists Julia Angwin, Amanda Yarnell, Tommy Gong, and Brianna Wiggity Weck explore how election officials can leverage social media’s reach to improve public awareness around voter registration, voting, and election integrity. The discussion builds on the Ash Center paper, “Building Capacity to Use Social Media: How Election Officials Can Leverage Content Creation to Provide Accurate Voter Information,” which outlines frameworks for collaboration between election officials and digital content creators.