U.S. News & World Report’s Post

A comprehensive review of recent polls and surveys highlights concerns about American democracy, emphasizing the need for renewed civic engagement, election integrity, and efforts to bridge the partisan divide. Many Americans worry about democracy's functionality, with significant distrust in elected officials. Polarization, fueled by misinformation and partisan divides, remains a major challenge. However, there are signs of hope, including robust voter engagement and the resilience of personal relationships across political lines. https://lnkd.in/eKt3SUY3  

Read the latest youth research from our team at CIRCLE - The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement: "Youth and the 2024 Election: Likely to Vote and Ready to Drive Action on Key Political Issues"

🇺🇸 With election day upon us, it's time to ask ourselves: How well do we understand the political framework that shapes our lives? 🗳️ Of course, this is not just about voting; it's about being an informed citizen capable of making decisions that shape our democracy. I know it may not be a popular stance, but I think understanding politics is not just a right, but a responsibility of those who want us to collectively have better, more functional lives. When we are disillusioned and or overwhelmed, opting-out becomes more attractive, and that's exactly the opposite of what we need to be better. Here's my latest, "Distrust, Disempowerment, and the Importance of Political Literacy" https://lnkd.in/eSyp9WhE #ElectionDay #PoliticalLiteracy #CivicDuty #VoteInformed #DemocracyInAction

Events of the past week have exacerbated the conditions for a dramatic rise in #authoritarianism while setting back the fight for a multiracial democracy perhaps by generations. There’s a lot to despair about. So I revisited this essay by my buddy Ali Noorani because it reminds me that this project is also a local one, practiced daily. 📣 “A durable, inclusive #democracy requires civic engagement beyond the important act of voting… Achieving this goal requires multiple long-term strategies that transcend politics and elections.” Though our nation is in existential peril, and there is much work to be done through and beyond November, I know that activists will still organize, educators will still show up to classrooms, people will continue building community, and human relationships will still matter. I also appreciated reading Jennifer Swayne Njuguna, Esq. SHRM-SCP's piece: Fighting Injustice with Hope and Action. (https://lnkd.in/g5yk4Viv) She writes: "For folks feeling paralyzed by this mounting tide, the call is clear: Support those at the front lines through: ▶ funding ▶ public support ▶ calls to congress ▶ voting in local and state elections ▶ engaging in conversations with friends and neighbors ▶ using privilege and shielding those who face the most risk for their work ▶ understanding state and local budgets and decision points ▶ using platforms to amplify critical narrative about what is happening and what we can do ▶ directing our dollars and economic power away from places and businesses where we are not included.

Our democracy faces significant challenges, but there's hope. New reports show the urgent need for renewed civic engagement, election integrity, and bridging partisan divides. TheFulcrum.US highlights these and more: https://ow.ly/60Ha50RNV5g

Leaders in the US are getting older. For example, politicians in the House of Representatives are 20 years older than the average voter, and the country’s 80-year-old President may stand for re-election. According to research from the The Quality of Government Institute of Government Institute, there is a risk that younger voters will become disinterested in democracy in the USA because it is so difficult for younger candidates to get elected. https://lnkd.in/etd3xtRw

🌟 Calling all LinkedIn Connections! 🌟 I'm reaching out to kickstart a movement of positive change and pave the way for a brighter future. With the upcoming general election looming on the horizon, I'm proposing a collaborative effort to encourage voter registration. Regardless of your political leanings, I wholeheartedly support your right to vote. Whether you choose blue, red, green, or any other colour, what matters most is that you exercise your voice and make your vote count. Here's why this initiative is so crucial: Promoting Democracy and Participation: By rallying our audience to register and vote, we're not just advocating for political engagement; we're promoting the very essence of democracy. Every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard. Empowerment Through Choice: Your vote is your power. It's a tangible way to influence the direction of our society and shape the policies that impact our lives. Regardless of your background or beliefs, your vote carries weight and significance. Encouraging Diversity of Opinion: Diversity strengthens our democracy. It doesn't matter if you lean left, right, or somewhere in between. What matters is that you contribute your unique perspective to the conversation. Our collective strength lies in our diversity of opinions and ideas. So, let's come together as a community and champion the right to vote. For full disclosure, I am standing as a parliamentary candidate for the Green Party for the seat in Ossett and Denby Dale in Yorkshire. However, there are mayor elections and local elections which are just as important as the general election also happening. Join me in empowering people to use their voices to shape the future. Let's ignite a movement of positive change and inspire others to participate in the democratic process. Please like, comment and share this message to help make society better. Together, let's amplify the message: Your vote, your voice, your power! Here is the link to sign up and register to vote: The deadline to register to vote for the local elections in the UK is on Thursday 2 May is 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April. https://lnkd.in/ew2zXTTY Let's make a difference together! #politics #voting #education #technology #economy #democratic #elections2024 #2024 #registertovote

A partisan political attempt to silence young voters is being executed in the U.S. at the very time we need more, not less, youth engagement to serve as a bulwark against autocracy. Pro-democracy advocates from across the political spectrum should embrace protecting youth voters as part of the broader effort to fight for every Americans’ right to participate in the political process. MORE in my new op-ed published by The Bulwark: https://lnkd.in/eabk9P2F

Important Discussion Alert: CFA Chair, Pres. & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis recently appeared on #KJZZ's The Show to delve into the pivotal role elections hold in shaping Arizona's future and how we all have a part to play in defining this year’s political narrative.     It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the power of our individual voices in the electoral process and the collective impact on our state's trajectory.    #ArizonaVotersAgenda 

You say you don’t “do politics.” But you do. Some see voting as the quintessential act of politics, but those who don't vote are still involved in the political process. Politics isn't just: Voters going to the polls. Volunteers participating in elections. Politicians in DC passing legislation. It’s also: Local organizations tackling issues. Neighbors settling disputes. Families making decisions about finances, what to eat, and where to go on vacation. Politics is about how we, as citizens, build relationships and rules to manage and resolve conflicts with minimal force. As the late economist Steve Horwitz wrote, “Every time we engage in the conversation about what is wrong with the world we live in and how we might make it better, wealthier, more just, or more peaceful, we are being political.” According to political economist Vincent Ostrom, politics is about constructing rule-governed relationships that prevent and resolve conflicts in ways that minimize coercion through conversation, collaboration, and consent. So, elections and voting aren't really what politics is all about. They’re just a small piece of a much bigger picture. In fact, voting might be the least important and least effective form of political action. Read more in Steven Horwitz’s article ‘Don’t Do Politics? Think Again.’: https://lnkd.in/grGZPR-b