U.S. elections

Man spraying bottle of champagne next to group of people in street with Joe Biden mural in background (© Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Biden’s heritage links towns in Pennsylvania, Ireland

President Biden's Irish ancestry links two towns in Pennsylvania and County Mayo, Ireland, in their pride of connections.
People walking outside U.S. Capitol building (© Patrick Semansky/AP)

How do major political parties split control of Congress?

It's not unusual for the major political parties to split control of Congress or of Congress and the White House. In fact, voters like it!
U.S. Capitol building (© Shutterstock.com)

What are midterm elections, and why are they important?

Although Americans won't elect a president in the 2018 midterm elections, their choices will have a big effect on the country's direction.
Three people standing at polling booths in front of mural with U.S. flag and eagle (© Steve Helber/AP Images)

Local elections give individuals a voice in democracy [infographic]

Learn about the types of local positions Americans vote on every few years to select the people who will lead their communities.
Row of various red, white and blue “Vote” pins (© Leigh Prather/Shutterstock)

What are ‘off-year’ elections and why do they matter in 2021?

Some U.S. voters will go to the polls this November. Find out where and what kind of races and questions are the on ballots.
Woman standing in front of pride flag (© Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Number of LGBTQI+ elected officials is growing in the United States

A new report shows that the number of LGBTQI+ elected officials in national, state and local government roles continues to rise in the U.S.
Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol at sunrise (© Carolyn Kaster/AP Images)

How does the U.S. census affect Congress?

The United States uses the census every 10 years to determine how the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be divided among the states.
Illustration of five women with monuments in background (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Women in politics: A timeline

Women have accomplished many political milestones in the history of the United States. See their photos and learn about what they've achieved.
Graphic showing number of members of U.S. Congress broken down by political party (State Dept./Helen Efrem)

Shifts in the new U.S. Congress [infographic]

The 117th U.S. Congress broke a number of records, with more women and minorities representing districts and states around the country.