March 8, 1988, marks the day Vote Smart was born. What started with printed election guides grew into a toll-free hotline, a comprehensive website, interactive digital tools, and even an API data subscription service.

We’re always evolving to serve voters better. In 2024, we surveyed over 20,000 individuals to understand how real people use Vote Smart. Conducted by Oregon State University, this survey revealed unprecedented insights.

🔎 See what we discovered: Read a letter from Vote Smart President Kyle Dell and explore the full report here.

Trade Tariffs and International Negotiations: The U.S. government announced new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing concerns related to trade imbalances and border security. Following discussions, a 30-day pause on tariffs for Canada and Mexico was agreed upon to allow for further negotiations. In response, China implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, contributing to ongoing trade tensions.

Executive Order on Transgender Athletes: This executive order directs federal agencies to enforce Title IX by ensuring that women's sports categories are based on biological sex. It prohibits educational institutions receiving federal funding from allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports or access women’s locker rooms. Schools that do not comply may face funding cuts. The order also calls for international advocacy to maintain sex-based eligibility in sports and directs agencies to review immigration policies related to athletes' participation in women’s competitions.

Protests Over Government Restructuring: Nationwide demonstrations have occurred in response to proposed changes to federal agencies. The plan includes restructuring the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and integrating it into the State Department.

(Glossary) Tariff: A tariff is a tax or duty that a government places on imported (or sometimes exported) goods. Tariffs make foreign products more expensive, giving an advantage to domestically produced goods by making them relatively cheaper. Governments use tariffs to influence trade, raise revenue, or protect domestic industries.

Think of it like an extra fee that businesses have to pay when they import products from another country.

(Glossary)

A: Assembly Bill (particularly in states like New York or California). Assembly Bills address state issues such as education, health care, transportation, taxation, or environmental policies.

HB: Used in State Legislatures: Refers to bills introduced in the House of Representatives or State Assembly at the state level.

HR: Used in the U.S. Congress: Refers to bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the federal level.

PN: Presidential Nomination.

S: S stands for Senate, meaning the bill originated in the U.S. Senate.

SB: SB stands for Senate Bill. Meaning the bill originated in the State Senate rather than State House or Assembly.

• Republican Pam Bondi was confirmed Tuesday night as the next United States Attorney General. Confirmed by a vote of 54-46, the former Florida Attorney General will now preside over the nation’s Department of Justice.

• Republican Doug Collins was confirmed on Monday as the newest Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs. Collins, a former member of the United States House of Representatives and candidate for the United States Senate, will now oversee the VA healthcare system.

• Democrat Doron Clark was sworn in as a State Senator representing Minnesota’s 60th State Senate district. Elected in a special election last week following the death of former Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, Clark’s inauguration leaves the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party with 34 seats and the Republican Party with 33 seats in the chamber. 

Next Saturday, February 15th, there were a set of special elections in Delaware and Louisiana. Click on the links below to view the candidates running:

• Delaware State Senate Special Elections: Districts 1 and 5
• Louisiana State Senate Special Elections: Districts 14 and 23

(Glossary) Special Election: is an election scheduled outside the regular electoral calendar to address specific issues or fill vacancies in public offices. These elections are typically held when an incumbent official resigns, passes away, or is otherwise unable to continue in office. Special elections can also be called to vote on urgent matters, such as referendums or specific legislative proposals.

Each week, we’ll challenge you with a quiz to sharpen your civic skills and empower you to make a difference in your community.