Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 225 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Increasing Voter Turnout for 2018 and Beyond

Tina Rosenberg

June 13, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Voter turnout in the United States is far below that in most democracies. States and cities are trying a variety of ways to increase turnout, with mixed success. Eight states and Washington, D.C., are moving to automatic voter registration, for example, which is commonplace in nearly every other advanced democracy, and 32 states are debating instituting or expanding it. But not all registered voters are actually casting ballots.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Can this group of former offenders swing the Philly DA race?

Samantha Melamed

May 10, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How does an organization go about reducing incarceration rates, and eliminate racial bias? Hiring the people affected by the prison system: former inmates. That’s the strategy that ACLU is taking in Philadelphia.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Voter Lottery

Kathleen Hawkins

February 26, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Voter turnout is a problem around the world, especially in local elections and among minority groups. But a small group of academics and activists in the US are experimenting with a new way to encourage people to turn up to vote: a lottery. Every voter is entered and one lucky winner gets a big cash prize, eliminating the risk of bribery and bought votes.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Automatic Voter Registration a ‘Success' in Oregon

Niraj Chokshi

December 02, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Oregon

Low voter turnout has affected the results of numerous elections across the country. Oregon gave its residents the choice to opt in instead of out when receiving government services, in the hopes of increasing voter turnout.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Civic involvement, voting are priorities in Colorado

Matt Woolbright

November 19, 2016 |

Corpus Christi Caller Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

Colorado recently passed a voter enfranchisement law that required register voters receive a ballot to vote by mail and several more options to vote in general. The mail ballots have greatly boosted voter turnout. Colorado now has about a 75 percent voter turnout rate, with some counties exceeding 80 and 90 percent.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Finding voter turnout solutions in Colorado

Matt Woolbright

October 24, 2016 |

Corpus Christi Caller Times |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

Colorado employs a wide array of methods to increase voter turnout, and it pays off. The state is one of the country's most successful in terms of voter turnout, thanks to Election Day voter registration, mail-in ballots sent to every Colorado voter, drop off locations for mail-in ballots, and voter pre-registration for 16- and 17-year old residents.

Read More
Go to Original Story
For Better Citizens, Scratch and Win

Tina Rosenberg

October 11, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: China

In China, rampant sales tax fraud was addressed with a unique solution. In an attempt to increase transparent sales and receipt use, the government implemented a scratch lottery system on receipts. This solution, using lottery systems to increase turnout and engagement, is being used across the globe, even in the United States to help increase voter turnout.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The people trying to save democracy from itself

Patrick Chalmers

July 02, 2016 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Portland, Oregon

Low voter turnouts, populists offering half-truths, corporate interests, and the blurring of facts in the media are signs that democracy around the world is in turmoil. Internationally, citizens have assembled different programs and initiatives that arm ordinary people with information about policy and their elected officials, as well as distinctive ways to reform the electoral system.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Votería: How One Latino Organization Uses Culture to Engage Voters

Maria Esquinca

March 30, 2016 |

Latino Rebels |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, El Paso, Texas

Equal Voice Network looked at low voter turnout rates in El Paso and decided that just registering voters wasn’t enough. The coalition developed a creative way to increase education and engagement in local issues: a game. Votería is a play off of Lotería, a traditional Mexican pastime similar to bingo, with updated images and text explaining key current issues and political figures.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Why Philadelphia Should Lower the Voting Age to 16

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 22, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Takoma Park, Maryland

In Takoma Park, Maryland, the voting age for local elections is 16. Lowering the age has increased turnout among youth—and studies show that the sooner people start to vote, the more likely they are to be lifetime voters.

Read More
Go to Original Story