The Hoover Institution Center for Revitalizing American Institutions webinar series features speakers who are developing innovative ideas, conducting groundbreaking research, and taking important actions to improve trust and efficacy in American institutions. Speaker expertise and topics span governmental institutions, civic organizations and practice, and the role of public opinion and culture in shaping our democracy. The webinar series builds awareness about how we can individually and collectively revitalize American institutions to ensure our country’s democracy delivers on its promise.
The fourth session discusses Restoring Trust in American Elections: Challenges and Opportunities with Benjamin Ginsberg, Justin Grimmer, and Brandice Canes-Wrone on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 am PT.
Public faith in the reliability of American elections has been eroding for decades with both political parties voicing concerns at times since the 1980s. Democrats have often pointed to issues like voter suppression and systemic inequities, while many Republicans have embraced claims of widespread fraud. Since 2016, and particularly following the 2020 election, polls have shown a more precipitous drop in the public’s trust in elections. These divisions have raised critical questions: Are election results reliable? Is distrust in elections now an enduring feature of American political campaigns and does that impact the democracy? Are we destined to cycle through accusations of fraud and suppression with every contested result? What have we learned from the 2024 election process?
In this timely and thought-provoking webinar, two leading experts will examine:
- The historical and contemporary factors undermining trust in elections.
- The impacts of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and political polarization on voter confidence.
- Ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, strengthen election security, and promote equitable access.
- The changing bases of the political parties and how that may affect the way each approaches the requirements for voting and election administration?
- Legislative solutions for rebuilding faith in the electoral process and fostering bipartisan solutions.
- Potential long-term changes to the way we administer elections that would enhance public confidence.
Looking back at recent elections and forward to the future of American democracy, this discussion will offer actionable insights into how we can address these challenges and restore public trust.
WATCH THE WEBINAR
