2024 is another critical year for elections and democracy in the U.S., and this roundtable will consider some of the broader issues at stake. The upcoming elections provide opportunities to shape the future direction of the U.S. and California on various issues, including immigration, reproductive rights, economic policy, job creation, policing, and climate change. Join UCSC professors for an interactive discussion on the conditions and debates surrounding voters and institutions and what concerns are being raised about our constitutional democracy. This discussion will dive into representative politics and ballot initiatives and how toxic polarization, political distrust, and negative views affect progress from the presidency to Congress and the Supreme Court.

Moderator:

• Chris Benner, Director of the Institute for Social Transformation (UCSC)

Speakers:

• Elizabeth Beaumont, Associate Professor of Politics and Legal Studies (UCSC)
• Larry Gerston, Lecturer, Politics (UCSC) and Professor Emeritus (SJSU)
• Dan Wirls, Professor of Politics (UCSC)
• Kira Tait, Assistant Professor of Politics and Legal Studies (UCSC)
• Anjuli Verma, Assistant Professor of Politics and Legal Studies (UCSC)

This event is part of our U.S. Elections Forum Series designed to foster open dialogue and engage students and the public in critical conversations about democracy, media, and voter participation. Join the conversation with our scholars and national thought leaders to learn more about how to think critically about our political processes and the nature of our democracy. There are six events in the series, all of them are offered online via Zoom, and three events have an in-person option. Events are free and open to the public. 

See the full event lineup and get more info here: https://transform.ucsc.edu/events/2024-elections-forum-series 

Co-sponsored by: Institute for Social Transformation, Merrill College, The Humanities Institute, Science and Justice Research Center, Politics Department Democratic Discourse and Engagement Initiative, Kresge College, John R. Lewis College, and College Nine.