Battleground: Ballot Box

Crossover Countdown: Tax Relief, Child Care, and Deregulation Feb 22, 2025

With Crossover Day fast approaching, Georgia lawmakers are racing to move key legislation forward. From tax relief for farmers to child care tax credits and tort reform, GPB's Pamela Kirkland and Lawmakers host Donna Lowry break down the major bills making their way through the General Assembly.

Mid-Session Moves: IVF, School Safety, and Gun Laws in Georgia Feb 15, 2025

With the legislative session nearing its midpoint, Georgia lawmakers are moving forward on a range of key issues — from voting legislation to school safety and protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF). GPB’s Pamela Kirkland catches up with Lawmakers host Donna Lowry to get up to speed on the flurry of activity happening under the Gold Dome.

First Bills Passed: Budget, Transgender Sports Ban, and More Feb 08, 2025

This week, the Georgia General Assembly passed its first bills of the session, including an amended budget to fund hurricane relief, prison upgrades, and school safety measures. Meanwhile, the Senate advanced a controversial ban on transgender athletes, and Democrats pushed to put abortion rights on the ballot.

Human Trafficking, Judiciary Challenges, and Medicaid Expansion Feb 01, 2025

As the Georgia General Assembly wraps up its third week, lawmakers are tackling a packed agenda — making up for delays caused by wintry weather. In this week's Lawmaker Huddle, GPB's Pamela Kirkland spoke with Lawmakers host Donna Lowry about the latest updates from the Gold Dome.

Storms, Delays, and Budget Battles at the Gold Dome Jan 25, 2025

This week, the Georgia General Assembly was pretty quiet. This is budget week, but even with a light week, we're staying on top of what our legislators have been up to. Donna Lowry, host of GPB's Lawmakers, joins for this week's Lawmaker Huddle.

Legislative Kickoff: Budget, Bills, and Big Debates Jan 18, 2025

In our first Lawmakers Huddle, Lawmakers host Donna Lowry joins GPB's Devon Zwald to discuss what happened during the first week of the 2025 legislative session and what lawmakers will prioritize.

The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter - A GPB Podcast Special - Part 2 Dec 31, 2024

A GPB special program looking back at the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, highlighting his accomplishments, relationships, and enduring impact. In this episode, you'll hear about his environmental conservation efforts, close relationship with his wife Rosalynn, lifelong passion for music, and lasting influence on American politics and culture.

The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter - A GPB Podcast Special - Part 1 Dec 29, 2024

A GPB special program looking back at the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, focusing on his work through the Carter Center to promote human rights, conflict resolution, and the eradication of preventable diseases worldwide. Plus, his role in establishing Georgia's film industry and the impact of his presidency and post-presidency on the state and the nation.

Battleground: Ballot Box | 2020 election RICO update: a plea deal and courtroom appeals Oct 12, 2023

LISTEN: Later this month, a courtroom in Atlanta is expected to host the first trial in the Georgia election interference case that includes former President Donald Trump and 18 others who advanced his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential race. But it’s possible that the defendants might take plea deals to avoid a lengthy trial.

Battleground: Ballot Box | The push to punish DA Fani Willis widens a Republican rift Sep 19, 2023

LISTEN: Former President Donald Trump’s Georgia indictment has spurred varied responses from Republicans both inside and outside the state. This week, we look at how the indictments are deepening the Republican rift between Trump’s biggest supporters and the rest of the GOP.

19 defendants, two courthouses and a flurry of filings. Sep 06, 2023

LISTEN: On this episode, we talk with Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis about Mark Meadows’ federal court hearing and the slew of motions that mark the latest maneuverings within the election interference case.

Battleground: Ballot Box | Trump’s arresting hold on the GOP Aug 29, 2023

LISTEN: On this special episode, we look at Donald Trump’s Georgia arrest — and his arresting hold over the GOP presidential primary.

Battleground: Ballot Box | Breaking down the Georgia indictments Aug 18, 2023

LISTEN: After a years-long investigation, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has made her findings public. On this episode, we break down the state RICO charges brought against former President Donald Trump and his allies in Fulton County.

Why Trump's grand 2020 election plan now goes to a grand jury Aug 14, 2023

On this episode, we go deeper into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of Georgia’s election and how prosecutors are likely to show those actions were tantamount to a criminal enterprise.

How false claims fanned post-election flames in Georgia Aug 09, 2023

LISTEN: On this episode, we’ll start to untangle a complicated web of some of the Trump allies who may face charges here in Georgia in the coming days.

How Georgia's recent elections planted seeds for future conspiracies Aug 07, 2023

LISTEN: On this episode, we’ll turn back the clock to understand how we got here and how Georgia’s election system came to be ground zero for election conspiracy.

New season of GPB’s ‘Battleground: Ballot Box’ to follow Georgia Trump election case Jul 31, 2023

Nearly three years since a failed attempt to overturn Georgia’s presidential results, a grand jury in Atlanta will soon decide if former President Donald Trump and his allies will face criminal charges. GPB's "Battleground: Ballot Box" podcast returns to cover those likely indictments with new episodes starting Aug. 7, 2023.

There is no such thing as an offseason in election administration Feb 28, 2023

LISTEN: On today’s special episode, we take stock of the state of elections in Georgia roughly one year before the presidential race begins in earnest.

2023 sees Georgia on the rise in Washington Jan 06, 2023

LISTEN: On this special episode, we travel to Washington, D.C., and speak with Georgia lawmakers who'll play an important role in Congress.

Battleground: Ballot Box | As midterms end, Georgia's political spotlight burns brighter than ever Dec 15, 2022

LISTEN: On this final regular episode, we look at the 2022 midterm elections in Georgia and how they will influence the future of American politics.

Disruptions and disagreements dominate Georgia debates Oct 19, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at what key general election debates tell us — or don’t — about Georgia’s top candidates.

The road to November runs through Southwest Georgia Oct 05, 2022

LISTEN: On this week's episode, we take a deep dive into Georgia's 2nd Congressional District race and its potential effect on the midterm election. ——

The positives and pitfalls of political polling in Georgia Sep 21, 2022

LISTEN: On this week's episode, we look at the good, the bad and the statistically significant parts of polling Georgia's governor and U.S. Senate races. ——

Georgia Democrats see an opening in 2022 midterm elections Aug 31, 2022

LISTEN: On this week's episode, we visit the Democratic Party of Georgia's convention in Columbus to hear their vision for November and beyond. ——

Why Georgia's economy is good/bad for Democrats/Republicans Aug 10, 2022

LISTEN: On this week's episode, we look at how Georgia's top candidates are talking about local and national economic issues.

After Georgia Guidestones bombing, a community picks up the pieces Jul 21, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at conspiracies surrounding Elberton's granite monument, the Georgia Guidestones, and how the community is reacting to their demolition.

Georgia reacts to the U.S. Supreme Court abortion decision Jul 07, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to undo precedent around abortion — upending Georgia politics in the process.

The path to understanding Jan. 6 runs through Georgia Jun 23, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at Georgia’s role in understanding the leadup to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

On the high-stakes primary runoff debates for key Georgia elections Jun 07, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at some of Georgia's primary runoff debates, from Democratic secretary of state to several Republican congressional races.

Kemp, Raffensperger prevail over Trump in Georgia Primary May 25, 2022

On this week's episode, we dive into Georgia's primary races: who won, who lost and what it all means for November's election.

Abortion news, 2020 election dominate Georgia primary debates May 04, 2022

On this week's episode, we take a look at how abortion news and the 2020 election affected Atlanta Press Club primary debates.

How Georgia elections officials helped quash more voting law changes Apr 20, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at how elections officials stepped up and helped stop the creation of unnecessary voting laws.

The dust settles on a controversial legislative session Apr 13, 2022

On this week's episode, GPB public policy reporter Riley Bunch joins to discuss the final days of the 2022 legislative session.

Checking in with Georgia's 'election superheroes' Apr 06, 2022

On this week's episode, we visit Georgia's elections official training conference for a temperature check ahead of the May 24 primary.

Trump rallies for chosen candidates in high-stakes Georgia primary Mar 30, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at a recent Trump rally and how a pro-Trump slate of primary challengers could reshape Georgia politics.

Stacey Abrams is ready for a rematch (and Medicaid expansion) Mar 23, 2022

On this week's episode, we continue coverage of the Georgia governor's race by following Democrat Stacey Abrams' campaign as she launches a "One Georgia" tour.

What survived Georgia lawmakers' internal Crossover Day deadline Mar 16, 2022

On this week's episode, host Stephen Fowler and GPB public policy reporter Riley Bunch discuss major legislation approved before the close of the Georgia General Assembly's Crossover Day.

How to vote absentee by mail in Georgia under SB 202 Mar 09, 2022

On this week's episode, we walk through the steps to vote by mail in Georgia under the new voting law SB 202.

Can Gov. Brian Kemp convince conservatives Trump is wrong? Feb 23, 2022

On this week's episode, we follow Gov. Brian Kemp on the campaign trail as the Republican seeks to fend off a Trump-backed primary challenge while looking ahead to a tightly-contested general election against Democrat Stacey Abrams.

Why Georgia elections boards are so important Feb 16, 2022

On this week's episode, we dig into the importance of county elections boards and their role in Georgia's voting process.

The primary paradox of David Perdue's run for governor Feb 09, 2022

On this week's episode, David Perdue lost his U.S. Senate race after baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 election kept conservative voters home in 2021 runoffs. Now, his newest campaign is premised on validating the beliefs of those same people while convincing them that this time, it’s different.

The complicated story of Lincoln County's proposed poll closure Feb 02, 2022

On this week's episode, we take a deeper look at a story reported with the Center for Public Integrity and NPR about what Lincoln County can tell us about the present — and future — of the fight for voting rights.

Looking at likely legislative plans in Georgia's election year session Jan 26, 2022

On this week's episode, we dive into what to expect in Georgia's 2022 legislative session, from bold budget proposals to election-year hijinks.

Putting Biden's Georgia voting rights visit into context Jan 19, 2022

On this week's episode, we look at President Joe Biden's visit to Georgia to call for federal voting rights and a historical look at congressional fights over civil and voting rights.

22 political storylines to watch in Georgia 2022 Jan 12, 2022

On this week's episode, we preview some of the biggest storylines, campaigns, bills and battles in Georgia to keep an eye on in 2022.

Battleground: Ballot Box: The year in Georgia partisan lawsuits Dec 16, 2021

There have been a number of high-profile legal battles over legislation in Georgia recently, including laws on abortion restrictions and voting changes, and other complaints filed by Georgia political leaders over actions taken by the federal government. This week, GPB's Stephen Fowler talks lawsuits with GPB's public policy reporter Riley Bunch.

Why the Georgia governor's race is so chaotic Dec 08, 2021

On this week's podcast, we look at Georgia's gubernatorial race and controversies surrounding former Sen. David Perdue's entry into the Republican primary.

A conversation with McDonough's new mayor Nov 30, 2021

On this week's Battleground: Ballot Box, we interview Sandra Vincent, the mayor-elect of McDonough, and learn what the city's past and present can tell us about Georgia's future.

Georgia Republicans face an identity crisis at a bad time Nov 17, 2021

On this week's episode, we look at the fault lines within the Republican Party in Georgia over how much of a role former President Donald Trump should play in the GOP's direction.

Mapping Georgia's future through redistricting Nov 09, 2021

On this week's episode, we take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of redistricting in Georgia, which has grown by a million residents primarily in metro Atlanta.

Battleground: Ballot Box - Season 2, Episode 1 Nov 03, 2021

The second season of Battleground: Ballot Box has launched with GPB's Stephen Fowler catching us up on the politics that have taken place over the last year.

Battleground: Ballot Box Season 2 Trailer Oct 14, 2021

GPB's "Battleground: Ballot Box" podcast, hosted by political reporter Stephen Fowler, returns for a second season starting Nov. 3 to cover the latest developments in Georgia politics.

Episode 22: Democrats Flip Senate As Republicans Subvert Democracy Jan 11, 2021

A historic day in Georgia was overshadowed by senseless violence encouraged by the President of the United States and hundreds of Republicans that have pushed baseless claims of election fraud. On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, what comes next in Georgia after Democrats flipped both U.S. Senate seats.

Bonus: In Georgia Politics, A Week For The History Books Jan 08, 2021

What a week. Somewhere between the president's call to Brad Raffensperger on Saturday and the seething and lawless mob in our nation's capitol on Wednesday, Georgia hosted a momentous election. In a conversation from GPB's Georgia Today podcast, Battleground Ballot Box host Stephen Fowler talks about coming to terms with a historic week for Georgia, and for America.

Episode 21: Inside Trump's Call To Steal Georgia's Election Jan 04, 2021

On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we were going to ask Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about challenges faced during 2020, but then we got audio of President Donald Trump angrily asking him to overturn the election instead.

Episode 20: Inside 'Election Twitter,' Where Maps Tell Stories Dec 28, 2020

On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we take a step back from all the voting chaos — sort of — and talk with someone who represents the future generation of voting and political participation.

Episode 19: For Trump, Georgia Republicans Ignore Election Reality Dec 14, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we look at the extraordinary steps Georgia Republicans have taken to try and overturn the state's election results, attack the systems and rules they put in place and support President Trump's false claims of fraud.

Episode 18: Despite Trumpworld's Efforts, Georgia Recertifies For Biden Dec 08, 2020

On this episode, we traverse a wild weekend of election misinformation, lawsuits, and the final recertification of Georgia’s election results.

Episode 17: As Recount Wraps, Longshot Lawsuits Emerge Dec 02, 2020

On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we tackle Georgia’s recount, more misinformation from the President and long-shot conspiracy-laden lawsuits seeking to overturn the election.

Episode 16: In Georgia, 'Facts Always Win' Over Disinformation Nov 23, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," Georgia's secretary of state discusses his fight against voting misinformation in the weeks since the presidential election.

Episode 15: Why Georgia's Audit Is Re-Counting 5 Million Ballots By Hand Nov 16, 2020

On this episode of “Battleground: Ballot Box,” we explore Georgia’s historic hand recount of 5 million ballots through a risk-limiting audit. Counties are working ahead of schedule to finish. The Republican Secretary of State said this will ensure Georgians have faith in the outcome. Meanwhile, top Republicans continue to attack the integrity of the voting process.

Episode 14: After The Votes Are Counted, What Comes Next? Nov 10, 2020

It's been a week since polls closed in Georgia, and it may be weeks until we officially know the winner in the presidential race. On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we take a look at what to expect as the state braces for a recount, and voters prepare for two U.S. Senate runoff races.

Episode 13: Election Day Survival Guide Nov 02, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Mark Niesse explains what to expect on Election Day in Georgia, from long lines to how votes are counted.

Episode 12: How The Courts Shape Our Elections Oct 30, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we learn about voting laws and what role the courts play in shaping our elections.

Episode 11: How To Stop Voting Disinformation Oct 26, 2020

On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we hear from ProPublica's Jessica Huseman about the best ways to guard against election misinformation in the final days of the 2020 campaign.

Episode 10: A Deep Dive Into Voting Numbers Oct 23, 2020

On this episode, we dissect Georgia’s voting data, and discuss the recent early voting numbers coming out of the state at the moment.

Episode 9: Let's Talk About Poll Workers Oct 20, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we talk about the importance of poll workers to the election process.

Episode 8: Long Lines, Record Turnout Mark Start of Early Voting Oct 16, 2020

On Monday, Oct. 12, in-person early voting began in Georgia, and with it came long lines, problems with voting equipment, and a sinking feeling that the issues that plagued June’s primary were doomed to be repeated. It seemed like deja-vu for many voters.

Episode 7: The History Of Racist Voting Laws In Georgia Oct 12, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we go back in time and explore the history of racist voting laws in Georgia and how the remnants of those decisions are still present today.

Episode 6: A Surge In Registration Brings Demographic Change Oct 09, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we take a look at voter registration, demographic changes and why Georgia is an electoral battleground.

Bonus: Voting Issues In Georgia, How We Got Here Oct 09, 2020

In this bonus episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," host Stephen Fowler chronicles how voting in Georgia has changed from 2018 to 2020.

Episode 5: Let's Make A Voting Plan Oct 05, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we discuss the importance of making a voting plan, whether you plan to cast your ballot by mail, early in person or on Election Day.

Episode 4: What You Need To Know About Voting By Mail Oct 02, 2020

On this episode of "Battleground: Ballot Box," we talk about the mail, specifically voting by mail. It is something a record 1.1 million Georgians did in the June primary and at least a million more plan to do for November's election.

Episode 3: Coronavirus Delays, Primary Disasters And A Disrupted 2020 Sep 28, 2020

In this episode, we’re continuing to unpack how Georgia’s election landscape has changed since the nationally watched 2018 governor’s race, from the delivery of voting machines to the coronavirus-stricken primary.

Episode 2: A Year That Changed Voting In Georgia Sep 25, 2020

In this episode, we explore how Georgia’s voting landscape changed drastically after the 2018 governor’s race, from lawsuits to the selection of a new voting system.

Episode 1: Six Weeks Out, State Faces Wide Challenges, Shaken Trust In System Sep 22, 2020

On this episode of Battleground: Ballot Box, we hear from Georgia's Secretary of State, a county elections supervisor, a poll worker and a voter to understand the challenges that loom over a successful November election, and what steps are being done to address them.

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