Elections

FILE - The state senate convenes at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore., Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Oregon Supreme Court said Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, that 10 Republican state senators who staged a record-long walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care and gun rights cannot run for reelection. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman, File)

Oregon high court says 10 GOP state senators who staged long walkout can’t run for reelection

The Oregon Supreme Court said Thursday that 10 Republican state senators who staged a record-long walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care and gun rights cannot run for reelection.

A view of the ongoing coastal road project in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. India’s finance minister unveiled Thursday a short-term budget to meet government expenditures until national elections are held by May. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

India’s government announces a short-term budget until national elections are held by May

Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Conway, S.C., on Jan. 28, 2024, left, Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Laconia, N.H., on Jan. 22, 2024, center, and then Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Contractors of America conference, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo)

Inside Donald Trump’s curious relationship with Fox News — and what it means for other candidates

FILE - Kyle Hallman, with Chester County Voter Services, organizes mail-in ballots to be sorted for the 2020 General Election Oct. 23, 2020, in West Chester, Pa. Republicans are challenging extended mail ballot deadlines in at least two states in a move that could have severe implications for mail voting nationwide ahead of this year's presidential election. A lawsuit filed last week in Mississippi follows a similar one last year in North Dakota, both brought in heavily Republican states before conservative federal courts. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Republican lawsuits challenge mail ballot deadlines. Could they upend voting across the country?

Supporters of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele campaign for his re-election outside a shopping mall in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. El Salvador will hold a presidential election on Feb. 4. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

El Salvador’s Bukele has everyone’s attention as he seeks reelection in spite of the constitution

Member of Taiwan’s pro-unification Nationalists elected speaker in a consolation prize for China

A member of Taiwan’s pro-unification Nationalists has been elected speaker of the island’s legislature.

FILE - The North Carolina state House reviews copies of a map proposal for new state House districts during a committee hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. A judge refused Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, to prevent the use of two North Carolina Senate districts drawn by Republican legislators starting with the 2024 elections and to order them replaced with boundaries that lawsuit plaintiffs argue would more likely ensure Black voters elect preferred candidates in one of them. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)

North Carolina redistricting lawsuit tries `fair` election claim to overturn GOP lines

Another lawsuit challenging North Carolina district lines for Congress and the legislature seeks a new legal route to strike down maps when critics say they’ve been manipulated for political gain.

FILE - Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appears during a hearing regarding defendant Harrison Floyd, a leader in the organization Black Voices for Trump, as part of the Georgia election indictments, Nov. 21, 2023, in Atlanta. Lawyer Ashleigh Merchant, who has alleged that Willis has had an inappropriate romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor hired for the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump, has called the two to testify at a hearing next month. (Dennis Byron/Hip Hop Enquirer via AP, File)

Georgia district attorney prosecuting Trump has been subpoenaed over claims of improper relationship

A defense attorney who has alleged that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has had an inappropriate romantic relationship with a special prosecutor hired for the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump has called the two to testify at a hearing next month.

John Gomes speaks during a news conference at his campaign headquarters, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Bridgeport, Conn. Gomes announced Wednesday that he's staying in the mayoral race, despite losing a do-over Democratic primary ordered by a judge who threw out the results of the last one because of allegations of absentee ballot stuffing. Gomes is eligible to appear on the ballot for the special Feb. 27 general election as the Independent Party candidate. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP)

Mayoral candidate says he won’t quit Connecticut race marred by ballot issues, despite primary loss

A challenger to the mayor of Connecticut’s largest city says he’s staying in Bridgeport’s protracted race for mayor.

Illinois voters trying to boot Trump from ballot file legal challenge after election board defeat

Illinois voters trying to remove former President Donald Trump’s name from the primary ballot have filed a legal challenge after the state’s election board unanimously rejected their effort.

FILE - North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican candidate for North Carolina governor, speaks at a rally Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Roxboro, N.C. Robinson remains the top fundraiser in the GOP primary campaign for North Carolina governor entering 2024. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)

Candidate uses personal funds to close fundraising gap in North Carolina gubernatorial bid

Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson remains the top fundraiser in the GOP primary campaign for North Carolina governor entering 2024.

FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2021 file photo, Fulton County, Georgia, elections workers process absentee ballots for a U.S. Senate runoff election in Atlanta. Georgia's state House voted on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, to require watermarks on ballots, with the bill moving on to the state Senate for more debate. (AP Photo/Ben Gray, File)

Georgia House votes to require watermarks on election ballots

Georgia voters could see a watermark on their ballot beginning in November. Republican supporters say the mark would assure citizens that their ballots are authentic.

FILE - The Michigan State Capitol is photographed, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Lansing, Mich. Democratic candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong advanced in the race to fill open seats in two Democratic-leaning Michigan House districts. Xiong, a second-term county commissioner in Macomb, will face Republican Ronald Singer in the April 16 special election in the 13th House District. Herzberg, who has served on the Westland City Council since 2016, will face Josh Powell in the 25th district. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Democratic field set for special election that could determine control of Michigan House

Democratic candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong have advanced in the race to fill open seats in two Democratic-leaning Michigan House districts.

FILE - President Joe Biden speaks at South Carolina's First in the Nation dinner at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024. For the first time ever, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination officially kicks off this Saturday in South Carolina, the state that resurrected then-candidate Biden's foundering presidential campaign in 2020 and put him on a footing to win both the Democratic nomination and, eventually, the White House. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in South Carolina’s Democratic presidential primary

For the first time ever, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination officially kicks off this Saturday in South Carolina.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, speaks during 2024 New Year's press conference at National Assembly in Seoul Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool Photo via AP)

South Korean opposition leader who was stabbed in an attack accuses president of divisive politics

A South Korean opposition leader who was stabbed in an attack earlier this month and underwent surgery has accused the country’s conservative president of promoting divisive politics and worsening an already toxic discourse in the nation.

FILE - Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan listens to a member of the media during a talk with reporters regarding the current political situation and the ongoing cases against him at his residence in Lahore, Pakistan, on Aug. 3, 2023. A Pakistani court on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 sentenced Khan and one of his party deputy to 10 years in prison each, after finding them guilty of revealing official secrets. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)

Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan is convicted again, days before elections

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 14 years.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump motions before speaking at a campaign event Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

After Teamsters meeting, Trump says of possible union endorsement, ‘Stranger things have happened’

Former President Donald Trump met with members of the Teamsters Union in Washington Wednesday as he looks past the GOP primary and toward a general election rematch against President Joe Biden.

FILE - Edward X. Young, of Brick, N.J., arrives before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Laconia, N.H., Jan. 22, 2024. Before launching his ill-fated campaign for the White House, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was a star. Again and again, Republican voters said they saw him as the future of the party. But after a bitter scorched-earth primary in which Trump pounded DeSantis viciously for the better part of a year, interviews with voters across early-voting states suggest the Florida governor may have an uphill battle if he chooses to run again in 2028. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file)

‘Traitor': After bitter primary, DeSantis may struggle to win over Trump supporters if he runs again

Before launching his ill-fated campaign for the White House, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was a star. Again and again, Republican voters said they saw DeSantis as the future of the party.

FILE - Opposition coalition presidential hopeful Maria Corina Machado speaks to supporters at a campaign event in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Condemnation against the government of Venezuela for its decision to block the presidential candidacy of opposition leader María Corina Machado continues to strengthen. On Sunday, Jan. 28, the Organization of American States declared that the move eliminates any possibility of a free election this year. (AP Photo/Jesus Vargas, File)

Déjà vu? Electoral bans, arrests, attacks, threats again part of Venezuelan presidential race

Assassination plots, arrest warrants, numerous detentions all sorts of verbal attacks against adversaries and other government actions have marked the start of 2024 for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his allies.

Little-known Democrat runs for North Dakota governor

A security guard and Democrat is running for governor in North Dakota. Travis Hipsher’s candidacy is a long-shot bid in a deeply Republican state.

El Salvador Vice President Félix Ulloa, who is running for re-election as the running mate of President Nayib Bukele, arrives for an interview at his office in San Salvador, El Salvador, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. El Salvador will hold its presidential election on Feb. 4. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

El Salvador VP acknowledges mistakes in war on gangs but says country is ‘not a police state’

Félix Ulloa, temporarily on leave as El Salvador’s vice president while he runs for reelection alongside Nayib Bukele, has denied accusations that their administration has made undemocratic moves to consolidate power.

CORRECTS SECOND SENTENCE OF CAPTION TO REFLECT JUDGE'S RULING - FILE - Poll workers sort out early and absentee ballots at the Kenosha Municipal Building on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020, in Kenosha, Wis. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, a judge ordered the Wisconsin Elections Commission to implement his ruling allowing election clerks to accept absentee ballots that have partial witness addresses, a decision that is expected to expand the number of ballots that will be counted in battleground Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

Judge orders Wisconsin elections officials to move quickly on changing absentee ballot rules

A Wisconsin judge has ordered the Wisconsin Elections Commission to implement his ruling allowing election clerks to accept absentee ballots that have partial witness addresses, a decision that is expected to expand the number of ballots that will be counted in battleground Wisconsin.

Navy veteran Joe Fraser launches GOP campaign to oust Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota

U.S. Navy veteran and political newcomer Joe Fraser has launched a longshot Republican campaign to oust three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

North Carolina amends same-day voter registration rules in an effort to appease judge’s concerns

North Carolina election officials are trying to fine-tune how they verify the addresses of voters who register and cast their ballots on the same day.

FILE - Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks at a news conference to call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on Capitol Hill, Oct. 20, 2023, in Washington. The Justice Department is looking into allegations Bush misused government funds for her personal security. Bush said in a statement that federal prosecutors were reviewing her campaign's spending on security services a day after the Justice Department subpoenaed the House Sergeant at Arms for related documents. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Justice Department investigating Democratic Rep. Cori Bush over alleged misuse of campaign funds

The Justice Department is looking into allegations Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri misused government funds for her personal security.

Supporter of former prime minister Imran Khan and political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attend during an election campaign rally in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gets 10 years in prison ahead of elections

A Pakistani court has convicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan of revealing official secrets and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Trump stays on Illinois’ ballot as the election board says it lacks power to remove him over Jan. 6

The eight-member board, composed of four Democrats and four Republicans, agreed with a recommendation from its lawyer to let Trump remain on the ballot by determining it didn’t have the authority to determine whether he violated the U.S Constitution.

President Joe Biden greets Mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade County as he arrives at Miami International Airport Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Miami. Biden will attend a fundraiser while in Miami. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Biden calls Trump a ‘loser’ as he raises money on ex-president’s home turf in Florida

President Joe Biden called Donald Trump a “loser” as he raised money for his reelection campaign on his predecessor’s home turf in Florida.

FILE - Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel speaks before a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NBC News, Nov. 8, 2023, in Miami. The RNC is meeting behind closed doors in Las Vegas, but top party officials will no longer consider a resolution proposed to declare former President Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee. McDaniel suggested last week that Haley had no path to the nomination in light of Trump's majority vote totals in the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses and the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The RNC will meet privately after Trump allies pull resolution to call him the ‘presumptive nominee’

The Republican National Committee is meeting behind closed doors in Las Vegas this week.

FILE - The Michigan Capitol is seen, May 24, 2023, in Lansing, Mich. Special election primaries are set to take place Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in two Michigan House districts following the departure of their Democratic representatives, which has left the legislative chamber in an even split since November. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

2 Democratic-leaning Michigan House districts to hold special election primaries

Two Michigan House districts will hold special election primaries to fill seats that were held by Democrats whose departures have left the legislative chamber in an even split since November.

Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Conway, S.C., Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Kelley)

Nikki Haley’s dilemma in South Carolina: winning over voters who like her, but love Trump

For South Carolina’s conservatives, deciding whether Nikki Haley’s record warrants a promotion to the Oval Office seems less about her experience and abilities and more about the man standing in her way: Donald Trump.

Opposition coalition presidential hopeful Maria Corina Machado gives a press conference outside her campaign headquarters in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, days after the country's highest court upheld a ban on her presidential candidacy. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

US government pulls some of Venezuela’s sanctions relief after court blocks opposition candidate

The U.S. government has pulled back part of the sanctions relief it granted Venezuela last year, following through on its threat after the South American country’s highest court blocked the presidential candidacy of an opposition leader.

FILE - Former South African President Jacob Zuma speaks during a press conference in Soweto, South Africa, on Dec. 16, 2023. The ruling African National Congress party has suspended Zuma on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, pending a disciplinary process after he gave his backing to a new party for this year's national elections. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)

South Africa’s ruling ANC suspends former president Zuma for backing a new party in elections

South Africa’s ruling party has suspended former President Jacob Zuma after he gave his backing to a new political party for this year’s national elections.

FILE Georgian Dream party Prime Irakli Garibashvili speaks at the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. The prime minister of the country of Georgia resigned on Monday, Jan 29, 2024 and said he had accepted an offer to become chairman of the Georgian Dream ruling party ahead of national elections in the autumn. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, File)

Georgia’s prime minister steps down to prepare for national elections this fall

The prime minister of the country of Georgia resigned on Monday and said he had accepted an offer to become chairman of the Georgian Dream ruling party ahead of national elections in the fall.

The two candidates with the most preliminary votes, National Coalition Party candidate Alexander Stubb, right, and Social Movement candidate Pekka Haavisto shake hands during a Presidential election event, at the Helsinki City Hall, in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. A projection in Finland says Alexander Stubb has won the first round of the presidential election to set up a Feb 11 runoff. ((Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

Finland’s presidential election runoff to feature former prime minister and ex-top diplomat

Finland faces a runoff presidential election in February between a former prime minister expected to have the advantage and a former foreign minister who negotiated the country’s recent entry into NATO.