June Topic: Democracy Will Not Be Intimidated
5 p.m. EDT // 4 p.m. CDT // 3 p.m. MDT // 2 p.m. PDT // 1 p.m. AKDT
Presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Alaska
A recent report created by the Brennan Center for Justice’s Elections and Government team shows that state and local officeholders report alarming, increasing levels of threats and other abuse. The severity of this abuse varies across demographic groups, and the overall picture is that of a threat to the free and fair functioning of democracy. At the same time, the Center's annual survey of local election officials shows that they continue to experience unacceptable levels of abuse, but that many have taken steps to increase security for voters and election workers. Join us for a discussion on the threats the people running our elections are currently facing and what we can do to aid them in their fight.
We'll be joined by Gowri Ramachandran, who serves as deputy director in the Brennan Center’s Elections & Government program.
Suggested reading:
About the series:
Disinformation. Conspiracy theories. Extremism. Surveillance. Our democracy is threatened as never before by toxic online content. The social media giants seem unable, or in some cases unwilling, to control the flood of lies and manipulative practices. The staggering — often hidden — reach of Big Tech into our lives endangers civil society, our civil rights, and our privacy. In a "post-truth" world we risk losing the shared understanding that underpins our democracy.
Each month, we explore a different facet of this crisis with guest experts. Join us to learn, discuss, and work on possible solutions.