Stanford University will observe its fifth annual Democracy Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, coinciding with the U.S. Election Day. The event, which is a university-wide academic holiday, is designed to encourage students and the campus community to reflect on civic engagement beyond just voting.
This year’s Democracy Day features over 40 events including panel discussions, workshops, mixers, and art projects. The focus for 2025 shifts from electoral politics—since there are no federal races on the ballot—to building everyday habits that sustain democracy. “Civic engagement is bigger than just voting,” said Jadon Urogdy, ’27, vice-chair of Democracy Day. “This year, we are focusing on building the scaffolding of democracy. Our programming focuses on cultivating lasting takeaways, whether it be tangible skills, a new philosophy, or an interesting conversation that students can take with them into their lives.”
The day’s activities are coordinated by an 18-member student committee and about 20 volunteers who manage five main events. Nearly 30 partner organizations across campus have also planned additional programs.
Keira Chatwin, ’27, chairing Democracy Day this year, emphasized inclusivity: “Any student group who wants to have an event on the day, we’re really happy to partner with them.” The complete schedule can be found on the Democracy Day website.
Meyer Green will serve as a central hub for activities such as panel discussions—including sessions about impactful careers and First Amendment issues—food trucks and musical performances by groups like the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band. Students can also participate in creative projects such as making a civic self-portrait collage.
Student-athletes will not have practices or games that day due to NCAA legislation passed in 2020 called “All Vote No Play,” which was supported by basketball coach Eric Reveno to promote civic participation among athletes. Part of Meyer Green’s program includes an “All Vote No Play” themed panel featuring alumna Anne Wicks (MA ’96), now at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger will deliver this year’s keynote address in conversation with Jeannette Wang (’26). Other major events include an alumni networking session at the Haas Center focused on public service careers and Dine and Dialogue gatherings where students engage informally with faculty from various disciplines about political topics.
Chatwin described Dine and Dialogue as “a chance for students to sit down with faculty and have conversations that are related to key political and civic issues in our society.” Faculty members involved include political scientists Emilee Chapman and Bruce Cain as well as professors from other departments such as computer science’s Julie Zelenski and economics’ Chris Makler.
The organizers hope that Democracy Day will encourage ongoing engagement beyond a single day each year amid increasing polarization nationally. Chatwin noted: “It has become so much harder to have conversations across difference, yet these are the conversations that push us toward better policy and solutions… I think really the only way to combat polarization is to skill-build with our students as they start participating in our civic processes…”
Political science professor Adam Bonica serves as this year’s faculty advisor for Democracy Day: “Democracy is not only preserved at the ballot box,” Bonica said. “It is through constant friction and pushback that civil society provides, and Democracy Day recognizes and celebrates that.”
Students expressed anticipation for specific events throughout the day:
“This year, I’m really looking forward to the Student-Alumni Public Service Mixer! I think it’s really inspiring to see students and alumni come together in conversation on how democracy, civic engagement, and service intersect with our professional lives. Stanford is a hub of such diverse communities, voices, and industries, and so I’m thrilled to see how, no matter our interests, there’s a way to align our passions with the public good in mind.” — Abhi Boda (’27)
“I am looking forward to the First Amendment panel where we will hear a diversity of views on free speech at Stanford and beyond.” — Colin Weis (’28)
“I’m excited for the Interfaith Civic Mixer because I hope to bring together those from all different backgrounds… Our faith and spirituality greatly influence our civic identity…” — Amira Hutcherson (’28)
“I’m really excited to see the public service career mixer come to fruition! I think it’s a valuable opportunity for students and alumni…” — Sofia Williams (’28)
Democracy Day began after Stanford’s Faculty Senate voted in spring 2021 to make Election Day an academic holiday every year—not just during presidential elections—in order to promote voting participation but also broader forms of democratic involvement.
Bonica added: “Democracy is not only preserved at the ballot box… It is through constant friction…that civil society provides…”
The goal remains fostering dialogue across differences while equipping students with practical skills needed for active citizenship.
