Barbara Rodriguez | The 19th

Persistent harassment and threats of violence may be impacting who decides to become an elected official or candidate — especially for parents of young children.

The full impact of voter ID laws on trans people and others remains difficult to measure. But voting rights advocates say potential voters across the country face an uneven patchwork of policies — and obstacles.

Nida Allam, the first Muslim woman elected to public office in North Carolina, has spoken publicly about the realities of trying to become a parent while seeking higher office — and how that impacts her policies.