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 

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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 [email protected] 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. 

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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. 

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

On this episode: In this two-part episode, we examine what the November 4th elections tell us about voter turnout, shifts within key states, and how voters are engaging ahead of 2026.

In the first half, AP data reporter Maya Sweedler walks through notable patterns in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City — including precinct-level movement, demographic trends, and how the Associated Press visualizes election results using population-focused mapping. She highlights where turnout was unusually high, how different communities participated, and which long-term trends held or broke in 2025.

In the second half, Vote.org CEO Andrea Haley discusses what her organization observed from millions of users during this cycle. She details increased interest in ballot information tools, usage patterns among younger voters, and broader factors that may explain why participation rose in several states. She also outlines the questions Vote.org is tracking as the 2026 midterms approach.

• Explore our coverage of the ‘25 Elections:https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025 
• Read Maya’s reporting: https://apnews.com/article/election-2025-results-takeaways-charts-e440e2b57f751acb5e173ab35aab1bc6 
• Learn more about Vote.org: https://www.vote.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 [email protected] 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.

On this episode: The Supreme Court is considering a major separation-of-powers case that could redefine the limits of presidential authority during national emergencies, and help define what exactly constitutes a national emergency. Learning Resources v. Trump challenges President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner — tariffs justified largely by declaring a series of national emergencies.

At issue is whether the law gives the president the power to impose tariffs without explicit congressional approval, and how far courts can go in reviewing those emergency declarations. Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, explains the oral arguments made on November 5th, how their eventual decision could affect Trump’s tariffs and future presidents, and what the ruling might mean for the balance of power between Congress and the Executive Branch.

• Learn more about the case: https://ballotpedia.org/Learning_Resources,_Inc._v._Trump 
• Read Liza’s analysis: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/whats-stake-supreme-court-tariffs-case 

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 [email protected] 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.

On this episode: Axios reporter Hans Nichols joins the show to unpack how the Senate advanced a plan to end the government shutdown over the weekend and where things go from here, as several hurdles remain between now and the government actually reopening. Nichols discusses what happens next with SNAP benefits and Affordable Care Act tax credits, how both parties are looking at where things stand, and how the Senate deal may impact January’s next funding deadline. Plus – how cost-of-living concerns could shape the fight over spending and set the stage for the 2026 midterms.

• Check out our latest on the Shutdown: https://ballotpedia.org/Federal_government_shutdown,_2025 
• Read Hans’ reporting: https://www.axios.com/authors/hnichols 

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 [email protected] 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.

On this episode: Political analyst Miles Coleman from the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics and Sabato’s Crystal Ball breaks down the results of this November’s elections, from Virginia and New Jersey to major ballot measures across the country. He explains why polling missed the mark in some races, what surprised him most about the results, and how redistricting in California and Virginia could reshape congressional control heading into 2026. The conversation also explores trends around affordability, voter turnout, and what these outcomes reveal about the shifting strengths and challenges for both parties going into the Midterms. 

Explore nationwide results: https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2025 

Check out Sabato’s analysis: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/dem-wave-hits-virginia-new-jersey-and-elsewhere-a-dozen-house-ratings-shift-in-california-following-approval-of-new-dem-map/ 

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 [email protected] 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.