María Teresa Kumar: Latinos and America’s Promise

Latinos are the fastest growing demographic group in the United States and are now the second-largest ethnic group in the country. Growing diversity shouldn’t be a challenge to democracy—no race or culture holds a monopoly on self-government. But Latinos are disproportionately young, and like other young voters, they often vote at lower rates and can benefit from being explicitly invited to participate in elections and other democratic practices. Latinos also have a particular set of shared interests. Unfortunately, politicians often seem more concerned with placing barriers on voter registration and the ballot than they are with attending to a changing electorate’s democratic preferences. These are all issues that Kumar has spent her career working to address.

Dayton Democracy Summit Playlist

If you couldn’t join us to watch the livestream of the Dayton Democracy Summit on September 20, videos are now available on YouTube. You can watch the entire summit, the two panels, and the keynote address from Rev. Dr. William Barber II. 

Stacey Abrams: Voter Suppression and Protecting Democracy

In this episode of The Stakes, host Brad Rourke talks with Stacey Abrams, renowned voting rights advocate and former Georgia Assembly member. Abrams breaks down the architecture of voter suppression, highlighting its impact on marginalized communities across states including Arizona, Georgia, and Texas.

The Global Dimensions of Project 2025: A Foreign Policy for Authoritarianism by Derek W. M. Barker

Project 2025 could accelerate global authoritarianism by undermining US foreign policy and weakening international alliances. It mirrors global far-right trends, erodes international organizations supporting democratic values, and fosters isolationism.

The Voter Fraud Illusion by Michael J. Pomante II

Recent restrictive voting laws in Republican-led states aim to bolster election security but fail to address the rare issue of voter fraud. Data shows these measures do not reduce voter fraud but instead suppress voter turnout, particularly among minorities and disadvantaged populations, undermining democratic participation.

The Russian Disinformation Threat: Strategic Goals and Overarching Themes by Alexander Vindman

In the lead-up to the 2024 US election, Russia is ramping up disinformation campaigns. Their goal is to destabilize democracy, create division, and support candidates aligned with their interests. Utilizing social media and state-backed outlets, they seek to undermine American institutions and weaken the country’s global standing.

The Russian Disinformation Threat: Active Campaigns in 2024 By Alexander Vindman

Russian disinformation campaigns targeting American voters have evolved to include copycat websites and AI-powered networks. These operations manipulate social media, fabricate journalist profiles, and spread disinformation to polarize voters. Combatting this requires media literacy and trusted, local journalism to counter false narratives.

Building Stronger Communities through Democracy

During the Dayton Democracy Summit, What’s Democracy Got to Do with Our Lives? featured panelists sharing personal stories about community engagement. They emphasized that democracy requires active participation, inclusive decision-making, and a sense of belonging in order to drive meaningful change.

The Power of Storytelling: Breaking Barriers to Democracy and Belonging

Why We Do What We Do, a panel discussion during the Dayton Democracy Summit, highlighted the power of storytelling in overcoming shame, fostering belonging, and creating inclusive communities. Panelists highlighted the need for collective action, empathy, and system reform to strengthen democracy and promote community growth.