WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Foundation for Independent Voter Education and the Chamberlain Project Foundation won first place in the political category at the 2018 American Civic Collaboration Awards for providing news and information to Maine voters about its landmark ranked choice voting election reform.

Maine voters are making history in the 2018 midterms as they are the first state in the nation to use ranked choice voting for US Senate and House general elections. The reform is changing the campaign dynamics in the state as candidates seek not only the first choice of voters, but the second or even third choice.

Still, there is one sticking point that is causing many voters to scratch their heads: Why can't they use the same voting method for governor and state legislative races?

San Diego, CALIF.- 1.7 million Floridians could soon have ballot access who didn't before.

Amendment 4 is a ballot initiative for the sunshine state that would allow felons the ability to vote.

The lone exception would be for those felons who have been convicted of murder and rape.

The initiative has the support of major interest groups on both the right and the left, including the ACLU and Americans For Prosperity.

San Diego, CALIF.- Add San Diego to the list of cities impacted by reports of suspicious devices.

The San Diego Union-Tribune was evacuated Wednesday morning following the discovery of a suspicious package, according to San Diego Police.

The building is located near 6th and B streets in downtown San Diego and houses additional offices other than the paper's newsroom.

Police closed 6th Avenue between A and B streets.

In any campaign, big money players get the most attention. But Democrats running in California’s seven most competitive congressional districts are vastly outraising Republicans in small-dollar donations, according to a review of campaign money compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

It’s a display of voter enthusiasm that can pay long-term dividends for beneficiaries.

Proponents of California's Prop 8, and SEIU-UHW West– the major labor union that got it on the ballot for the 2018 elections– say they're hoping it will force kidney dialysis companies in California to spend more on improving their facilities, hiring more staff, and training them better, resulting in shorter wait times and better care for the 66,000 California residents who need dialysis every week.

San Diego, CALIF. - President Trump's Water Infrastructure Act could be one of the most significant pieces of legislation to impact the future of California. The act gives the US Army Corps of Engineers the ability to oversee projects and policies.

Importantly, the bipartisan measure passed the Senate 99-1.

As the midterm elections swiftly approach, the heat is on for voters to make big decisions about the future of our nation.

In an era of media partisanship and political gridlock, voters face a tough time sifting through the information to come to terms with what is true and what is not.

The 2018 American Civic Collaboration Awards have recognized organizations which represent excellence in elevating democracy and civic engagement through collaboration and with measurable results to back up the success of their respective missions.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- Make no mistake, Ricardo Lara is a popular legislator in Sacramento.

Though some agree he endorses far left positions for undocumented immigrants, Lara has established himself as a champion for their rights.