> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.ballotpedia.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.ballotpedia.org/release-notes/release-notes-2026-05-31.md). # Release notes 2026-05-31 These updates apply to *bulk data clients* whose accounts were set up after May 31, 2026. Current clients' data formats are maintained, but can be updated on request. Changes made to the bulk files going forward include: ## candidates * The certified\_vote\_totals boolean field was added indicating whether the vote totals for a given stage has been certified. * The candidate\_status field now distinguishes candidates who withdrew from the race but remain on the ballot: 'Withdrew still on ballot' * Races and stages that have no associated candidates will now appear with blank candidate data fields. Previously, these rows were excluded entirely. This ensures all stages are represented regardless of whether candidate data has been entered. ## officeholders * The officeholder\_mailing\_address column has been replaced by office\_mailing\_address, which now reflects the mailing address of the office rather than the individual officeholder. ## school board officeholders * The ballotpedia\_url field was removed, as pages are not yet published for individual school board officeholders. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://developer.ballotpedia.org/release-notes/release-notes-2026-05-31.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.