Cascadia Daily News has launched the "Citizens Agenda," a unique initiative designed to empower readers to influence election coverage by articulating the issues they deem most significant for candidates to discuss during the midterm elections. This approach not only fosters community engagement but also ensures that the coverage reflects the voters' genuine concerns rather than typical political rhetoric. Readers are invited to submit their ideas, and CDN will compile these into a list of the most requested topics, which will be published for further voting. The chosen topics will guide CDN's reporters in framing questions for candidates, enhancing the relevance and quality of election reporting. Furthermore, candidates who decline to address these issues will be highlighted in the CDN Voter’s Guide, ensuring accountability.

This initiative aligns with a broader trend seen in U. S. and Canadian media, which has proven successful in creating more meaningful campaign coverage. By prioritizing reader input, the Citizens Agenda aims to facilitate informed decision-making among voters. Ultimately, this project underscores the importance of local journalism in promoting democratic engagement and accountability.