  Elections 101 Course:
Covering Voting Like a Pro
Master the complexities of election reporting with confidence and deliver stories that inform and impact your audience with authority.
Transform Your Reporting
Confidently cover elections at all levels with accurate, trustworthy stories.
Build Reliable Sources
Connect with credible election experts for nuanced insights.
Stay Ahead in Crisis
Handle any election crisis with clear, factual reporting.
Overwhelmed by Election Coverage?
Are you a journalist feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of election coverage?
Are you struggling to navigate the labyrinth of election logistics, confused by conflicting information, and worried that even a small error could damage voter confidence?
You’re not alone in feeling the pressure to get it right.
What Happens When You Rely on the Loudest Voices
Too often, journalists rely on the loudest voices—activists, political candidates, and social media influencers when covering election issues.
Unfortunately, these sources often lack the deep understanding necessary to provide accurate information, leading to stories that miss the mark.
The truth is, most journalists haven’t had access to the specialized training required to cover elections effectively. They’ve been left to figure it out on their own, often making costly mistakes along the way.
Improving Election Coverage
What if you could become the go-to expert in your newsroom, delivering accurate and impactful election stories that truly inform your audience?
  Imagine covering elections with the confidence that your reporting is both accurate and impactful. Picture yourself being the journalist your newsroom turns to when election issues arise, knowing you have the expertise to deliver the truth amidst the noise.
Elevate Your Reporting & Become the Go To Expert
Master the complexities of election coverage and become the authoritative voice your community needs. If you’re tired of relying on unreliable sources, struggling to understand complicated voting systems, and finding it difficult to explain these details to your audience, specialized training can turn these challenges into strengths. With the right skills, you can clearly break down complex election systems, anticipate potential issues before they arise, and solidify your role as a trusted source of election information.
Election coverage can be daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to provide your audience with the accurate, comprehensive reporting they deserve and become the go-to expert your community depends on for trustworthy election coverage.
  Introducing Elections 101:
Covering Voting Like a Voting Reporter
  Elections 101 is designed for local newsroom journalists covering elections. It provides concise, information-rich primers on voting technology, election administration, and voting rights. Plus, you'll have access to a curated group of experts available for support throughout your training. Through a combination of expert instruction, practical exercises, and insider tips, this course provides the tools you need to become a confident, well-informed election coverage specialist.
  Take a Look Inside the Course…
MODULE 1:
How voting works in the United States
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. voting system, including key vocabulary and the division of responsibilities between federal, state, and local governments. You’ll gain a solid foundation in voting mechanics and be better equipped to explain the intricacies of the electoral process to your audience.
MODULE 2:
The 2016 and 2020 elections, explained
Learn to examine the evolving conversations around voting policy since 2016, focusing on cybersecurity, foreign interference, and pandemic-related challenges. By developing a deeper understanding of recent electoral issues, you will be able to provide a more nuanced coverage of current and future elections.
MODULE 3:
The 2016 and 2020 elections, explained
Dive into crucial voting rights legislation and landmark court decisions that have shaped the electoral landscape. By the end of this module you will enhance your legal literacy in voting matters, allowing you to report more accurately on the implications of laws and court rulings.
MODULE 4:
Federal agencies
Module four explores the roles of various federal agencies involved in the electoral process. Gain insight into the complex web of federal oversight, empowering you to navigate and explain the bureaucratic aspects of elections more effectively.
MODULE 5:
What's a voter roll, and how do we keep them clean?
Examine voter registration lists, maintenance procedures, and related controversies. You will learn to distinguish between proper list maintenance and problematic "purges," enabling more accurate and nuanced reporting on voter registration issues.
MODULE 6:
A guide to state elections offices
This module provides an in-depth look at state-level election administration and authority structures. Develop a clearer understanding of state-specific election processes, allowing for more localized and relevant coverage.
MODULE 7:
A guide to local elections offices
Together we’ll focus on the crucial role of local election officials and the challenges they face. You’ll gain strategies for engaging with local election offices and reporting on election administration issues, including the treatment of election officials.
MODULE 8:
An introduction to voting technology and cybersecurity
Here we cover the technical aspects of voting systems, including certification processes and common misconceptions. By the end of this module you will improve your technological literacy in election matters, enabling you to assess the credibility of tech-related claims and sources more effectively.
MODULE 9:
An introduction to USPS and vote by mail
Module nine examines the postal voting process, including ballot tracking and signature verification. When you have a comprehensive understanding of vote-by-mail systems, you will report more accurately on this increasingly important aspect of elections.
MODULE 10:
Classic complaints reporters will hear about, and how to respond
Learn to address common election-related complaints and controversies, providing journalists with factual responses. Be better prepared to address and debunk misinformation, contributing to more accurate and responsible election coverage.
  Testimonials
  Meet Your Instructor Jessica Huseman
Jessica Huseman is the editorial director of Votebeat, where she manages projects and investigations and facilitates staff training. She’s taught investigative and data journalism at New York University, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, and St. Bonaventure University and teaches a course on open records requests and government transparency at American University.
Before helping to found Votebeat, she was the lead elections reporter at ProPublica. There, she managed Electionland, which provided real time resources and training to hundreds of local newsrooms.Â
Satisfaction Guarantee
It’s free! If you hate it, I’ll send you a Votebeat stress ball! :>
FAQs
I’m strapped for time. Is this worth it?
Each unit of the course takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be done at your own pace. You don’t have to follow the modules in order. Simply pick and choose based on your schedule and the topics most relevant to you.
Voting is inherently political. Will I alienate parts of my audience with this type of coverage?
We believe everyone should vote, and this course focuses on how the voting process works, not on campaigns. It features insights from both partisan and nonpartisan experts, ensuring balanced, non-political coverage that impacts all voters.
Our readers don’t care about this stuff; they care about the campaigns.
Recent history shows the need for accurate information on voting processes. Even in campaign coverage, understanding how voting works is crucial to providing clear, trustworthy information and countering false statements.
I’m not a journalist, but this information is useful to me. Why can’t I have it?
Currently, the course is available exclusively to journalists. We plan to make it more widely accessible in the future, but for now, it's tailored to support those in the field ahead of the 2024 election.