What Changed
Score updates, data corrections, methodology changes, and new features — logged as they happen.
📌 Major Updates
Support BlackVoteWatch — contributions now open
You can now support BlackVoteWatch directly through the site via Cash App ($blackvotewatch). More payment options are coming soon.
Why it matters: BlackVoteWatch is independent and free. Support keeps it that way.
Compare tool now shows all categories for both members
Previously, missing categories were hidden — making the win/loss count misleading when one member had more scored categories than the other. Now all categories are always shown, with 'Not yet scored' labels where data is absent.
Why it matters: A member appearing to 'win' 2 of 4 categories is very different from 'winning' 2 of 6. You now see the full picture on every comparison.
Reparations scoring fixed for members who co-sponsored H.R. 40
Members who co-sponsored H.R. 40 (the reparations study commission) were showing near-zero reparations scores because the bill has never come to a floor vote. The scoring engine now uses a meaningful baseline when a member has demonstrated support through sponsorship but has no floor vote to score.
Why it matters: A member's reparations score should reflect what they've actually done — not whether Congress scheduled a vote. Sponsors of H.R. 40 now show scores that match their visible record.
Freshman members capped at Provisional confidence score
Members in their first year in office are now capped at Provisional confidence regardless of how many votes are on record. A handful of partisan votes in month one shouldn't generate a computed A or F grade.
Why it matters: Early voting patterns are not a reliable signal of a member's full record. Provisional scores set appropriate expectations while a real track record develops.
March 24, 2026
'What Changed' page launched
This page. BlackVoteWatch now logs meaningful updates to scores, data, methodology, and product so you know when something changes and why.
Why it matters: A living accountability tool should be transparent about its own changes — not just the politicians it tracks.
Sparse-record profiles now show clearer explanations
New and first-term members with limited voting records now show explicit language explaining that the score reflects an early and incomplete record — not a full assessment.
Why it matters: A new member with 3 votes shouldn't look the same as a 14-year veteran. The label now makes that distinction clear.
Negatives section no longer references invisible data
Some member profiles listed critiques that referenced category scores not visible on the page — creating contradictions users couldn't resolve. All negatives now map to visible evidence only.
Why it matters: If a critique can't be verified by what's on the page, it undermines trust. Every negative now connects to something you can actually see.
Reparations badge renamed from 'Unknown Stance' to 'Not yet verified'
The badge that appeared when a member's reparations position wasn't on record previously said 'Unknown Stance' — implying the site knew nothing about them. It now says 'Reparations stance: Not yet verified.'
Why it matters: The site knows a lot about every member. The badge now makes clear it's one specific issue that hasn't been verified — not a general unknown.
March 23, 2026
BREATHE Act status corrected
The BREATHE Act entry was updated to reflect that it was not reintroduced in the 119th Congress. Rep. Pressley remains the lead sponsor. Rep. Cori Bush, a co-sponsor, lost her 2024 primary.
Why it matters: Bill status on this site should reflect reality, not carry forward stale information.
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