South SFV Today

With the U.S. 2024 presidential and congressional elections approaching, Stanford University is mobilizing its community for civic engagement through various educational and get-out-the-vote efforts.

“The November U.S. election caps an extraordinary global year of elections in which democracy is being tested around the world,” said Stanford political scientist Larry Diamond. Diamond and other scholars are hosting events this quarter to examine issues in an election that will determine the country’s future for years.

Numerous student organizations are holding events such as voter registration drives and discussions on democratic participation. This fall, Diamond and Dean Debra Satz are hosting “Reimagining Democracy,” a seven-week faculty speaker series featuring Stanford faculty who study challenges faced by democratic societies.

“Democracy is under pressure around the world,” said Satz, the Vernon R. and Lysbeth Warren Anderson Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S). “In the U.S., confidence in our collective political institutions – Congress, the courts, and state administration – has declined, especially among young people. There is a sense that these institutions have become inefficient, partisan, and subject to special interests. Is this true? Can we do better, and if so, how?”

The series will explore these questions over seven live and online discussions from Sept. 25 to Nov. 13. It is organized by Stanford Continuing Studies, the Office of Community Engagement, and the Stanford Democracy Hub – co-founded by Diamond with Satz as faculty director.

The Hub provides a dedicated website featuring civic-related events, engagement opportunities, research, courses, and resources from across campus with specific attention this quarter to election resources: https://democracy.stanford.edu.

“This series is one of several collaborative efforts at Stanford to enrich student and public understanding of the stakes in this election and the possibilities it holds for renewing and reimagining our democracy,” Diamond said.

Other election-related courses include Election 2024: Democracy on the Ballot taught by Jim Steyer of Common Sense Media. The class features high-profile guest speakers discussing democracy-related topics open to both students and the public.

Meanwhile, “America Votes 2024: Stanford Scholars on the Election’s Most Critical Questions” is a series of panel discussions being held on Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30, and Nov. 12 featuring leading social scientists discussing polarization, race in voting, public opinion manipulation, electoral integrity, and comparative dimensions of U.S. elections.

The series is co-sponsored by CDDRL at Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies; Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at Hoover Institution; and Institute for Research in Social Sciences.

On Oct. 9th Sam Wineburg will discuss teaching people to distinguish falsehood from fact with Vice Provost Matthew Rascoff as part of Academic Innovation for Public Good book series co-organized by Stanford Digital Education and Trinity College.

For students nearly 150 fall courses related to democracy are offered alongside initiatives like Stanford Civics Initiative led by Josiah Ober which helps students explore principles of democratic citizenship.

“Today Stanford is recommitting to a 21st-century version of that earlier vision through new courses & experiential learning,” said Ober adding it aims to prepare students as active community contributors capable members pluralistic society."

A coalition including Democracy Day Stanford Government Political Union Women Politics launched “I Stand Democracy” campaign supported by Democracy Hub Haas Center build culture around civic engagement campus."

“I think civic engagement habit," said Jeannette Wang chair Democracy Day annual day celebration held Election Day."

Aubrey Merrill co-chair organization launched address low voter turnout aims boost registration turnout providing guide planning upcoming Democracy Day Nov."

Stanford won statewide Ballot Bowl competition registering most residents thanks largely work Registrar include option check-in."

Faculty staff also cultivating identity communities serve example Health Care Medicine Children working Vot-ER broaden engagement health care system displaying QR codes badges help check status coaches motivating athletes participate process Associate coach Eric Reveno ensuring players ready vote signed Campus Challenge Coaches Pledge commit supporting nonpartisan resources register turnout."

"Voting core requirement shaping future want part great teammate," Reveno collaborating committee create celebration information Nov basketball game University Denver"

Mental health encouraged utilize resources available well-being coaches Bridge counselors CAPS confidential support services Faculty Staff Help Center counseling workshops groups Meru Health program Brightline adolescent support compiled list well-being"

Office Religious Spiritual Life Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper leading initiative recruit workers ensure free fair safe accessible election previously heard candidate say ‘Democracy spectator sport’ believes need everyone voice contribution activate elevate process teachings Jewish tradition inspired involvement.”

“One created image divine means every human voice vote matter equally play role helping sure participate nobody disenfranchised offering faith-based practices support members creating spaces connect differences” Lounge Tresidder Union official Vote Center more information times County Santa Clara Registrar website."