Law 18,000 Same-Sex Couples Await Ruling In California May 11, 2009 • About 18,000 same-sex couples tied the knot during the months gay marriage was legal in the state last year. Now, they are waiting to find out whether the state Supreme Court will let a voter-passed ban on gay marriage stand or overturn it — and whether their marriages will be declared invalid.
Opinion Dear President-Elect Obama An Election Day Letdown For Gay Americans November 10, 2008 • Commentator Marc Acito is pleased that President-elect Obama included gay people in his victory speech, but Acito worries about the future. Voters in California, Florida and Arizona banned gay marriage on Election Day.
California's Prop. 8 Passes, Passions Flare November 7, 2008 • While voters were casting ballots for the first black president, California chose to pass a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. For the latest news, Farai Chideya talks with Jasmyne Cannick — a gay rights activist in Los Angeles — and Lou Engel, founder of "The Call."
States Weigh Gay Marriage, Other Sensitive Issues November 5, 2008 • Same-sex marriage and abortion were among the hot-button issues addressed on some state ballots Tuesday. Voters in 36 states weighed 153 measures, ranging from affirmative action to assisted suicide. Most initiatives were decided by Wednesday. NPR's John McChesney talks with Renee Montagne on 'Morning Edition' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96600599/96642908" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
NPR's John McChesney talks with Renee Montagne on 'Morning Edition' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96600599/96642908" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Exit Polls Link Obama Victory To Economic Fears November 4, 2008 • Barack Obama's path to the White House was marked by a broad appeal among people of every age, race, income and religion — and a galvanizing fear about their economic future. In overwhelming numbers, Americans say the nation is headed in the wrong direction.
The President And The Military November 4, 2008 • Members of the armed forces have a lot at stake in this presidential election. Military personnel, their families and guests discuss what they think the next president needs to know about the military, their jobs and their lives.
Election 2008 What's Happening Where You Live? November 4, 2008 • Listeners share their experiences at the polls, and we learn what to expect from television networks as the votes are being tallied.
Voters To Face Vast Array Of State Ballot Initiatives November 3, 2008 • The social issues that dominated much of the 2004 presidential campaign have been pushed off the national stage by the plummeting economy. But those issues have not gone away — they've just moved over to hotly contested ballot initiatives in several states.
Election 2008 Who Will Win Over Jewish Voters In Florida? October 31, 2008 • Jewish voters are being heavily courted by both presidential candidates. They mostly voted for Democrats until 2004, when Bush made inroads. Now, some say they're reluctant to support Obama given his stance on Palestinians and rumors about his faith.
Candidates Differ On Relief For Working Families October 31, 2008 • With workers losing jobs or scrambling to retain them, pressures intensify at home, too. What do the presidential nominees propose to ease Americans' work-family tensions? Sizable differences separate the two on issues such as family leave, sick time and child care.
Mormons Divided On Same-Sex Marriage Issue October 31, 2008 • California's Proposition 8 would overturn gay couples' recently granted right to marry. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints asked congregations to work to pass the measure. Some Mormons are troubled by the church's prominent role in a political fight.
Election 2008 Obama Adviser Explains Tax Plan, Rips Palin October 30, 2008 • Anita Dunn, senior adviser and chief communications officer for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, talks about Sen. Obama's tax plans for people who make between $200,000 and $250,000. She also talks about why the campaign has just released an ad taking on John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for vice president.
Election 2008 In Ohio, McCain Attacks Obama on Taxes October 30, 2008 • Republican presidential candidate John McCain has told supporters in Ohio that his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, will raise taxes on the middle class. With five days left for the presidential election, McCain is touring swing states.
Election 2008 In Run Up To Big Day, McCain Adviser Outlines Plans October 30, 2008 • In the final days of the presidential race, senior McCain campaign adviser Nicolle Wallace says they've noticed a bump in support whenever Sen. John McCain visits a state, so they're planning to visit as many as they can before Election Day. She also discusses McCain's stand on Barack Obama's tax plans.
Election 2008 Law School Past Shapes Obama's View On Justices October 30, 2008 • If Democrat Barack Obama wins the presidency, he will bring a decade of experience as a constitutional law lecturer to the White House. Analysts say that promises an active role in picking Supreme Court nominees.
Hot-Button Issues On Ballots Color Election 2008 October 30, 2008 • This year, on a national level, both candidates are focused on the economy. But on a more local level, some states are running highly controversial ballot initiatives. Farai Chideya takes a broad look at how these controversial "values issues" affect the vote.
McCain, Obama Offer Two Paths To Save Economy October 29, 2008 • The collapse of Wall Street has reinforced voters' concerns about the economy ahead of the Nov. 4 vote. John McCain and Barack Obama both have plans to improve the U.S. economy, but they propose accomplishing that in very different ways.
Election 2008 McCain Shares Bush's Mind-Set On Picking Justices October 29, 2008 • Supreme Court appointments arguably are a president's most enduring legacy, and the next president could get the chance to choose a few justices. If John McCain is elected, conservatives could solidify their control of the court because liberal justices are expected to retire.
Election 2008: Voting Groups Why Some Anti-Abortion Catholics Support Obama October 29, 2008 • Over the past quarter-century, most anti-abortion Catholics have voted Republican in hopes of overturning Roe v. Wade. But some conservative Catholics are rethinking their strategy on abortion and other social issues because they believe the battle over Roe is lost.
Election 2008: Voting Problems Hotline To Help Secure Voters' Rights On Nov. 4 Fresh Air October 28, 2008 • As voters gear up for election day, the National Campaign for Fair Elections is gearing up for voters: The organization will offer a national national hotline to answer voter questions and respond to problems. Jonah Goldman is the heading up the initiative.
Abortion Ban, Gay Marriage To Appear On Ballots October 27, 2008 • On Nov. 4, voters in five states will cast ballots on gay marriage and abortion — controversial issues that have long divided the country. California, Arizona and Florida will vote on a gay marriage measure, and Colorado and South Dakota will weigh in on abortion bans.
Arkansas Voters To Decide On Unmarried Adoption October 26, 2008 • Next week, voters in Arkansas will decide whether unmarried couples should be allowed to adopt children. A conservative group is behind the ballot initiative to stop what it calls a "gay agenda." Arkansas residents approved a gay-marriage ban four years ago, and backers thought this latest measure would pass easily. But it's not the case this year.