Building an Inclusive Democracy
Democracy Summit
January 29, 2024
RecordingS available now
Introductory Remarks and CID Study Findings: https://youtu.be/YFpRG5EBWAo
Panel One: https://youtu.be/leHAWOlek3M
Panel Two: https://youtu.be/0nN0jb_Rfbs
Panel Three: https://youtu.be/ODzG_Ta1Hko
Keynote and Summary: https://youtu.be/jYuWVDkbq70
The Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) hosted a democracy summit at the new USC Washington D.C. Campus (Dupont Circle) building titled, Building an Inclusive Democracy: Why Equitable Voter Turnout Matters in the 2024 Elections and Beyond.
The conference featured panels of national and local experts who discussed the state of voter turnout in the U.S, and the challenges and opportunities for the 2024 elections and beyond. CID kicked off the day by holding a media briefing announcing the findings from a new nationwide voter turnout study. CID’s new research report provides an up-to-date profile of Latino, Asian American, and Black voting power throughout the United States. Despite notable growths in the eligible voter population, voters of color have historically been underrepresented in the electorate, creating a substantial opportunity gap.
This report examines the changing demographic landscape in each state and throughout the nation, the participation of Latino, Asian-American, and Black eligible voters in general elections, and identifies the potential electoral influence voters of color will have on national and local elections. The study also includes a breakdown of the role that voters of color will play in the 2024 elections, including competitive congressional districts. Based on research findings, recommendations will be provided for election administration and community outreach efforts aimed at increasing the representativeness of U.S. elections.
This event is sponsored by Democracy Fund
SUMMIT SCHEDULE (Eastern Time Zone)
Location
University of Southern California, Washington DC Campus
1771 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Press Conference
8:00 - 8:30 am CID media briefing presenting new study/live and livestreamed.
Conference Begins
8:30 – 9:00 am Networking/light breakfast
9:00 – 9:10 am Welcome/kickoff, Mindy Romero, CID Director
9:10 – 9:15 am Introductory Remarks
Senator Alex Padilla (recorded)
9:15 – 9:50 am Mindy Romero, CID new study’s topline findings
9:50 – 10:00 am Break/networking
10:00 – 11:00 am Panel One:
How do we achieve a multi-racial democracy in the U.S?: Current opportunities and challenges
A conversation exploring strategies to increase voter participation of Americans with the aim of achieving a representative electorate. Panelists will discuss opportunities to increase engagement among young voters and voters of color, as well as the present and historical challenges policy makers, researchers, and advocates face.
Moderator: Deborah Barfield Berry, National Correspondent, USA TODAY
Panelists:
Matia Powell - Executive Director, CivicTN,
Tania Chavez - Executive Director, President, La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) Valley.
Jennifer Chau - Executive Director, Arizona AANHPI for Equity
11:00 – 11:10 am Break/networking
11:10 – 12:10 pm Panel Two:
How can election officials administer an inclusive election?: Equitable approaches and investment
A discussion of the current and potential election policies and strategies that aim to increase access to voting (or can deter voting). Panelists will discuss ways in which to administer inclusive elections, such as language and disability access, and the steps needed to achieve equity in the administrative process.
Moderator: Aaron Navarro, Digital Reporter, CBS News
Panelists:
Mitchell D. Brown - Senior Counsel, Voting Rights Section, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Katherine Culliton-González - Voting Rights & Democracy Expert
Sylvia Albert - Democracy and Representation Policy Counsel, Common Cause
12:10 – 12:50 pm Lunch
12:50 – 1:50 pm Panel Three:
The long-game of building a truly representative democracy: Rethinking strategies for investment and movement building
A conversation looking toward the future of elections and the actions policy makers, researchers, and advocates can take to build a representative democracy, over time. Panelists will discuss how we can reshape current approaches to meet communities where they are in 2024 and beyond.
Moderator: Mindy Romero, CID Director
Panelists:
Abril Gallardo Cervera - Chief of Staff, Living United for Change in Arizona
Dreama Caldwell - Executive Co-Director, Down Home North Carolina
Janet Hernandez - Associate Director, Elections and Voting, Democracy Fund
1:50 – 2:00 pm Break/networking
2:00 – 2:30 pm
Keynote Speaker Thomas Hicks - Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance Commission
2:30 – 3:00 pm Summary of day’s discussions and action steps
3:00 pm Conclude