Biden welcomes Japan and South Korea leaders at Camp David to counter China's influence. Alabama in court over congressional district maps. Redistricting case and lawmakers' defense. Confusion over campaign memo and humorous incident with NYC mayor.

Under a court order, officials in Republican-controlled Cochise County, Ariz., finally certified their local midterm elections results after they missed the state's legal deadline and put more than 47,000 people's votes at risk. A bipartisan pair of former officials in the state are calling for the two members who initially voted against certification to be criminally investigated.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Katherine Swartz.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Note: A previous version of the story's audio contained the wrong date for an Arizona election certification deadline. The deadline was November 28, not November 8.Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

China has sent surveillance balloons over more than 40 countries across five continents and the Biden administration is in touch with other countries about the scope of the program, according to information provided by the Biden administration. And voting officials in Pennsylvania continue to deal with election misinformation and advocates hope some election reforms could help fend off any disruptions in 2024.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, China correspondent John Ruwitch, voting correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, and voting correspondent Miles Parks.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The court ruled that state constitutions can protect voting rights in federal elections and state courts can enforce those provisions. Three conservative joined with the court's liberal wing in a 6-to-3 decision.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, voting correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

By a vote of 5-4, a coalition of liberal and conservative justices essentially upheld the court's 1986 decision requiring that in states where voting is racially polarized, the legislature must create the maximum number of majority-Black or near-majority-Black congressional districts, using traditional redistricting criteria. The surprise decisions could impact other states' maps as well.And House Republican hardliners using procedural fights to disrupt the work of the chamber, lashing out after Speaker McCarthy's debt ceiling deal with the Biden administration.This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, voting correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and congressional reporter Barbara Sprunt.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, dives into the pressing issue of mail-in ballot delivery as elections approach. He shares insights from election officials grappling with concerns about the U.S. Postal Service's ability to meet deadlines. Personal anecdotes illustrate the anxieties voters face in ensuring their ballots arrive on time. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and implications for democracy, making it a must-listen for anyone invested in the electoral process.

Deepa Shivaram, a White House correspondent, joins voting correspondents Miles Parks and Hansi Lo Wang to discuss the evolving landscape of voting in 2024. They delve into new voting procedures post-COVID, highlighting concerns around mail-in ballots and polling place anxiety. The trio also reflects on lessons from the contentious 2020 election, looking at potential disruptions and reforms to ensure electoral integrity. With insights into anticipated voting trends, they emphasize the need for community support in fostering a peaceful election environment.

Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, delves into the dubious return of pro-Trump electors as the 2024 election looms. He highlights how these individuals are tied to the controversial attempts to overturn the 2020 results and examines the potential legal pitfalls they face. Wang further explores the evolving legal landscape and the impact of disinformation on election integrity. The conversation raises pressing questions about what these electors might do if Trump loses again, making for a fascinating and timely discussion.

Veterans' groups, students and attorneys are mobilizing to work at polling sites as health and political concerns have strained staffing in localities across the country. And a voter fraud crackdown in Florida has exposed the complicated state of voting rights in the state.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, and politics reporter Ashley Lopez.Learn more about upcoming live shows of The NPR Politics Podcast at nprpresents.org.Support the show and unlock sponsor-free listening with a subscription to The NPR Politics Podcast Plus. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The $1.5 trillion dollar package also contained billions in aid to Ukraine. One thing that was absent? COVID relief money that the White House was banking on.And the 2020 Census undercounted many Black, Latino, and Native Americans. White, non-Latino Americans were overcounted. That could help to perpetuate inequality.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, correspondent Hansi Lo Wang, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy