John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Stanford University is preparing for Democracy Day 2024, an annual event designed to foster civic engagement and encourage student participation in voting. This year marks the first time the event coincides with a presidential general election. Jeannette Wang, chair of Democracy Day, highlighted two main goals: "We want everyone to feel like they can intersect with democracy regardless of their major or their occupation," and "we want people to walk away with an idea of what’s next after this election – what the next step is in staying an engaged citizen."
The university has planned around 30 events across campus. A notable event is the Public Service Career Mixer at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, allowing students to connect with alumni in public service careers. Another significant gathering, Dine and Dialogue, will provide students the opportunity to discuss citizenship with faculty members over dinner at the Faculty Club.
Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, will engage in a keynote conversation with Professor Brandice Canes-Wrone at Dinkelspiel Auditorium. The Election Night Watch Party at Treehouse will feature state-by-state returns alongside food and entertainment by Robber Barons.
Democracy Day also includes Party at the Polls at Meyer Green, promoting civic engagement among student-athletes through programming such as All Vote, No Play. International students are invited to participate in events like the Bechtel International Luncheon featuring discussions by international democracy scholars.
For local voters, early voting options are available from November 2-4 at Tresidder Memorial Union. Voting materials will be accessible in multiple languages including Chinese and Spanish.
A campus-wide campaign called “StandForDemocracy” has been ongoing for weeks to stimulate interest in democratic participation among students. Aubrey Merrill from Stanford Votes expressed hope that these efforts would excite students typically less engaged in civic matters.
Wang emphasized the importance of dialogue: “We’re encouraging people to have conversations about difficult issues with people they disagree with,” she said. The initiative aims not only for immediate electoral participation but also for sustained engagement beyond Election Day.
Founded by Sean Casey and Jonathan Lipman in 2021, Democracy Day was established as an academic holiday following approval by Stanford's Faculty Senate. It aims to promote student involvement in political processes on Election Day each year.
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