The Dean’s Forum series focuses on the intersection of race and public policy in support of the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance’s mission to host community conversations that inspire public leaders.
On April 19, 2024, Dean Jodi Sandfort hosted a conversation with Vincent Hutchings, Garth Fell, and Calista Jahn that probed the national historic and contemporary dynamics around the most basic of our rights as citizens in a democracy. During this election year, we are constantly reminded of the importance of voting and other acts of political participation. This election comes at a time when racial and ethnic disparities in voting and participation persist. The election system is under scrutiny and federal protections against racialized disenfranchisement, such as the Voting Rights Act, have been invalidated by the Supreme Court. Understanding these matters is critical if we are to strengthen institutions of democracy nationally and to continue Washington State’s leading work around election administration integrity.
