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Votebeat and More Perfect Launch the Expert Desk

In a strategic move to bolster election coverage, Votebeat, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to election reporting, has teamed up with More Perfect to create the Expert Desk. This new initiative launches in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections, aiming to provide journalists nationwide access to a wealth of expertise.

A Resource for Journalists

The Expert Desk is designed as a free platform that connects journalists with a diverse group of bipartisan election experts. These include former election officials, legal professionals specializing in election law, and technology specialists. The Desk allows journalists to access real-time, on-the-record insights vital for providing their audiences with accurate information.

Elizabeth Green, Founder and CEO of Civic News Company, emphasizes the importance of this resource, stating, "Journalists across the U.S. will be equipped to cover elections and provide communities with credible, trusted information to make informed decisions." With over 100 experts on hand, journalists can verify claims, navigate complex lawsuits, and receive timely support during a demanding news cycle.

Amplifying Impact

Through the support of More Perfect, Votebeat's Expert Desk aims to extend its reach significantly. The collaborative effort is expected to facilitate participation from around 600 journalists across 150 newsrooms around the country. This support not only bolsters Votebeat's own reporting but also empowers local and national outlets by providing essential resources for election journalism.

John Bridgeland, the Founder and CEO of More Perfect, reiterates this notion, stating, "A functioning democracy depends on voters having accurate information about how their elections are run." The partnership between More Perfect and Votebeat serves as a vital tool in ensuring that journalists have direct access to trusted sources — ultimately informing the public about key democratic processes.

Navigating Election Complexity

The Editor of Votebeat, Jessica Huseman, remarks, "The Expert Desk is the backbone for better election coverage." This platform furnishes journalists with immediate access to trusted experts capable of clarifying complicated election laws, procedures, and technologies. Whether journalists are seeking an expert quote or need to address complex questions under tight deadlines, the Desk aims to alleviate common hurdles in election reporting.

Votebeat’s national bureau not only addresses local election concerns but also connects these with broader federal voting policies. Being embedded in five key states — Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin — enables Votebeat to cover the election's intricate machinery year-round, addressing issues from voter rolls to election funding and laws affecting voter participation.

Participation and Expertise

Reporters interested in utilizing the Expert Desk can apply directly, provided they are actively reporting on the upcoming 2026 electoral cycle and maintain independence from political affiliations. Likewise, experts with relevant backgrounds are invited to express interest in participating, as applications for both reporters and experts are accepted on a rolling basis until December 15.

About the Organizations

More Perfect is an impressive bipartisan coalition, consisting of 44 Presidential Centers, National Archives Foundation, and numerous other organizations. Their collective aim is to promote democracy through initiatives focused on civic learning, national service, bridging divides, and ensuring access to trustworthy news.

Civic News Company, the parent organization of Votebeat, also publishes other notable newsrooms such as Healthbeat and Chalkbeat. Votebeat remains the only nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom in the U.S. that focuses solely on election administration and how elections are conducted.

The launch of the Expert Desk signifies a critical enhancement in electoral journalism, a response to the increasingly complex landscape of election reporting. As the midterm elections approach, initiatives like this will play an essential role in fostering an informed electorate, thus reinforcing the foundations of democracy.