Dean’s Forum | Political Participation and Voting Access

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 Supreme Court. This Dean’s Forum will probe the national historic and contemporary dynamics around the most basic of our rights as citizens in a democracy. 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.

Event speakers:

• Vincent Hutchings: Diversity and Social Transformation Professor; Hanes Walton, Jr. Collegiate Professor of Political Science and Afroamerican and African Studies, University of Michigan
• Calista (Cali) Jahn: EPIC Innovation & Engagement Manager, Evans School, UW
• Jodi Sandfort, Moderator: Dean and Professor, Evans School, UW