News · CA
California sets fines for robotaxis blocking responders
Economy and jobsNew autonomous-vehicle rules allow fines when robotaxis impede emergency responders in California.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 4, 2026
Politics and government news
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2,282 stories · page 2 of 77
News · CA
California bans electric shock gloves in law enforcement
Public safetyA new California law prohibits law enforcement personnel from using electric shock gloves.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
News · DE
Wilmington passes renter assistance pilot measure
HousingThe newly passed legislation creates a Wilmington pilot program focused on helping low-income renters.
The Ballot Delaware News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · FL
Florida attorney general sues Pfizer over COVID vaccine claims
Health careThe attorney general’s lawsuit opens a court dispute over claims connected to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
The Ballot Florida Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · MN
DOJ announces voter fraud indictments in Minnesota
Elections and votingThe federal charges are not directly connected to a named candidate, political race or specific election.
The Ballot Minnesota DeskOct 4, 2026
News · OH
Ohio governor signs 90-day gas tax pause into law
Economy and jobsOhio’s governor has approved a temporary gas tax pause that will remain in place for 90 days.
The Ballot Ohio Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · NY
Hochul names special prosecutor in Cornell rape case
EducationAttorney General Letitia James will review the handling of an alleged 2024 sexual assault involving a Cornell University student.
The Ballot New York News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · AZ
Arizona candidate residency questions remain unresolved
Elections and votingSome Arizona candidates face questions about where they live, while the state’s residency rules remain difficult to enforce.
The Ballot Arizona Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · OH
Ohio governor signs 90-day gas tax suspension
Economy and jobsOhio’s governor signed a bill temporarily suspending the state gas tax for 90 days.
The Ballot Ohio News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · OR
Oregon voting article lacks election-specific details
Elections and votingThe OPB item concerns voting in Oregon and mentions Washington but is not connected to a specific election, race or candidate.
The Ballot Oregon Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · TN
Tennessee orders review after Pike survives execution attempt
Elections and votingThe governor ordered an outside review after death row inmate Christa Pike remained alive following an execution attempt.
The Ballot Tennessee DeskOct 4, 2026
News · MT
Montana 2026 election guide pairs races with past results
Elections and votingAn NBC News election guide groups Montana’s 2026 races with the state’s historical presidential election results.
The Ballot Montana News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
Ossoff and Collins put routine work in reelection pitches
Economy and jobsJon Ossoff and Susan Collins are highlighting day-to-day job performance as they make their cases for reelection.
The Ballot National DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
One Nation vows treaty abolition and pepper spray change
Foreign policyOne Nation launched its Victorian campaign with pledges to abolish the First Nations treaty and make pepper spray legal.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · LA
Louisiana 2026 Election Races Await Specific Details
Elections and votingThe 2026 Louisiana election overview names no specific race, candidate or policy position while pairing the cycle with past presidential results.
The Ballot Louisiana Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · MT
Montana court blocks mail voting law
Elections and votingThe ruling stops enforcement of a Montana law linked to thousands of rejected absentee ballots last year.
The Ballot Montana DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
Scandals could matter more in close midterm contests
Elections and votingHigh-profile scandals may shape several midterm races where a small change in support could affect the result.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
Inside an ICE arrest amid renewed scrutiny
ImmigrationICE agents were observed going to arrest a man as the agency faced renewed scrutiny a month before November’s midterm elections.
The Ballot National DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
AI campaign deepfakes begin drawing legal threats
Elections and votingLegal threats over AI-generated campaign media are raising questions about responsibility, remedies and how quickly disputes can be resolved.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · MD
Moore announces funding for child poverty initiative
Elections and votingMaryland Gov. Wes Moore announced funding for an initiative intended to address child poverty in the state.
The Ballot Maryland Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California math-testing bill SB 1067 signed into law
Foreign policySB 1067, a California math-testing measure associated with a San Diego state senator, has been signed into law.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · AZ
Congress passes bill to make Chiricahua a national park
Elections and votingThe measure would make Chiricahua National Monument Arizona’s fourth national park if it receives final presidential approval.
The Ballot Arizona News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · TN
Tennessee governor pauses executions, orders outside review
Elections and votingAll Tennessee executions are paused for the rest of the year while a third party conducts a review ordered by the governor.
The Ballot Tennessee Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
128 Republican lawmakers seek Planned Parenthood funding review
Economy and jobsThe lawmakers asked the HHS inspector general to examine federal money received by Planned Parenthood and its affiliates.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · IA
Team mix-up drives viral moment at Jack Smith hearing
EducationSen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of lying under oath after confusing the Iowa Hawkeyes with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · IA
Iowa governor signs higher incentive cap for steel plant
Economy and jobsThe new law raises Iowa’s tax incentive ceiling for a steel plant valued at billion, expanding the amount the project may qualify for.
The Ballot Iowa DeskOct 4, 2026
News · IA
Iowa governor signs higher incentive cap for steel plant
Economy and jobsThe new law raises the tax-incentive ceiling connected to a steel plant valued at billion.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California Governor Signs Three AI, Workplace Surveillance Bills
Elections and votingThe three measures establish California laws addressing artificial intelligence and monitoring in the workplace.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs Rubio measure targeting court abuse
Foreign policyGov. Gavin Newsom signed state Sen. Susan Rubio’s legislation aimed at stopping abusers from using courts against survivors.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
News · US
Lula, Flavio Bolsonaro end campaigns before first round
Elections and votingLula and Flavio Bolsonaro are concluding their campaigns as Brazil prepares for a first-round vote.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskOct 4, 2026