gears of democracy

OCTOBER 2, 2020 – With record levels of mail-in voting, counting could last days or—in some jurisdictions—weeks after election day, leaving a void for speculation about ballot-rigging or other improprieties, even if there’s no evidence of wrongdoing and counts are performing as intended. 

This year has presented extraordinary challenges and possibilities, from a pandemic to a mass movement against anti-Black racism and police violence. In order to move forward, each of us must have the skills to build solidarity and community with others without dismissing our important differences.

Ranen Miao’s passion for public service inspired him to serve in both high school and college student government. In this essay, Ranen contrasts his experiences and offers suggestions on how high schools can adapt student governance.

Valuing students as equal partners results in education policies that are actually reflective of the student voice.

The uses and effects of technological change permeate through all of our systems, including our democracy. How might we use and think about technology to better serve our democratic institutions?

Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision will disenfranchise nearly 1 million individuals in Florida. Denying people their right to vote due to unpaid debt is reminiscent of a Jim Crow era “poll tax,” continuing the systemic criminalization of the poor and people of color.

Strong networks and relationships are inherent in many faith communities, where leaders are seen as trustworthy sources of information.

Rachel Bitecofer, senior fellow of elections at the Niskanen Center, and Tamara Keith, NPR White House correspondent, in conversation with Dan Glickman, executive director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program.

Rachel Bitecofer, senior fellow of elections at the Niskanen Center, and Tamara Keith, NPR White House correspondent, in conversation with Dan Glickman, executive director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program.

JULY 14, 2020 – All too often, sensationalist reporting of unrest in communities has overshadowed the institutional and systemic racism that Black Americans face.