Election Reporting Fellow, Voter Access

Election Reporting Fellow, Voter Access

The USA Today Network’s election reporting fellowship program expands the coverage of the country’s largest news publisher at a critical time as we serve audiences with local, regional and national election journalism. 

The USA Today Network is seeking an enterprising, collaborative, and scoop-driven journalist to contribute its reporting on voter access issues and helping readers understand that their vote matters.

This reporter will have boots on the ground covering voter access issues and the impacts of redistricting and new voter laws, especially in the South and Southeast. You should have your finger on the pulse of how influencers and citizens are talking about voting and opportunities to fact check misinformation. Data and service journalism will be at the core of helping inform our readers.

This is an opportunity to write explanatory and informative journalism on a team that will explore the voter experience across the nation.

This reporter will be based in the Southern or Southeastern U.S., ideally Mississippi or Georgia, but location can be flexible for the right candidate. Travel may be required.

This full-time fellowship runs from Jan. 2, 2024, to Dec. 27, 2024, and will pay $19.28-$24.04 per hour. The start date can be flexible for the right candidate.

This role is benefits eligible, and fellows will be able to enroll in Gannett’s insurance, 401(k), and other benefit programs. 

You will:  

• Deliver original reporting on the voting experience and issues.
• Dig deeply into voter access issues, redistricting and policy proposals that will have real impact on local citizens.
• Place the audience as your top priority in story selection and writing approach.
• Help voters make informed decisions by contributing to our sweeping voter guide initiative and reporting and writing service journalism that explains how voting works.
• Cover state-level voter access issues, as well producing enterprise on regional themes.
• Contribute to network-wide brainstorms and projects, bringing your expertise to inform readers on how their votes count

The right candidate:  

• Has proven experience in a digital news environment filing accurate, concise, and clean copy on deadline.
• Has a robust understanding of what’s happening in politics across the country to create conversation-starting journalism.
• Is infinitely curious and always has a story idea ready to go.
• Can manage time wisely, balancing short-turn stories with deeper investigations.
• Enjoys collaborating with editors and writers across the network on breaking news and special packages.
• Ensures our coverage includes a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and voices.
• Upholds Gannett’s standards of journalistic rigor, accuracy, and fairness.
• Will have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check. 

Application Instructions: 

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

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