By Brian Lyman | Editor
By this time tomorrow, polls will be open and voters will be exiting polling places with stickers on their lapels. If you have questions about any race on the ballot, you can check our voter guide here, whether you’re studying at home or whether you see an obscure race on the ballot and need to do quick research on your phone.
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ELECTIONS 2026
By Andrea Tinker
Two Republican candidates for the Alabama State Board of Education have called for limits to a process known as social-emotional learning, which aims to help children process emotions, develop compassion and become engaged members of society. A state counseling association says the program has just been implemented and the benefits have yet to be seen, and the Democrats in the race support it.
Andrew Sorrell, the Republican state auditor incumbent (left), faces Democratic nominee Violet Edwards, a Madison County commissioner, in Tuesday's election. (Sorrell and Edwards photos courtesy of campaigns; graphic by Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Ralph Chapoco
Republican State Auditor Andrew Sorrell faces Democratic nominee Violet Edwards, a Madison County commissioner. Both candidates are focused on the office’s powers to appoint county registrars. Sorrell said he would look to appoint people who emphasize election integrity. Edwards said she would look for candidates looking to make it easier for people to cast ballots.
A line of voters runs out the door and outside the building at Woodland Methodist Church in Pike Road, Alabama on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Jemma Stephenson/Alabama Reflector)
COMMENTARY
By Brian Lyman
The hardest three words to write in a column are “I don’t know,” but that’s the fundamental challenge in any political forecasting: no one knows who will show up to vote until the polling places open. In my column this week, I write about the national trends and local tendencies that will determine the outcome of this year’s elections, and how the range of outcomes will ultimately be determined by what electoral mix we get.
ICYMI
Explosive spending, ugly ads and courtroom battles set stage for tense midterm elections | Ashley Murray and Jonathan Shorman, DC Bureau
Told her baby wouldn't survive, she had to leave Idaho for an abortion. She's sharing her story. | Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline
‘Medically frail’ Medicaid enrollees won’t have to prove their inability to work to keep coverage | Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
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