Ballotpedia’s Post

In the midst of heightened discourse around democracy, we’ve found that Americans have ways of understanding it that are likely complicating much of our national dialogue. Take a look at our new blog post to learn more about 3 of our recent findings about how Americans are thinking about democracy:

Early content creators encouraged people to work together for the common good. They succeeded and their progeny prospered. Today our nation is divided. The Democracy Awareness Project seeks to mend the nation with patriotic imagery that invokes the voice of Lincoln in his historic speech "The Perpetuation of our Political Institutions." Just as our prehistoric forefathers encouraged us to work together, Lincoln in his speech called out “Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others." We know that there are no words that will simply cause people to work together. We encourage Americans to show their patriotism and love of country with a simple symbol, an American Infinity sticker or a Stars and Stripes Forever endless ribbon (Möbius strip). Democracy is a complex subject, and by its nature, can be redefined by the majority as needed. Our grandparents amended the Constitution in the 1970's giving voting rights to 18-year-olds, and our great-grandparents expanded voting rights to women in the 1920's, and our great-great-grandparents expanded the vote to all races. This generation has to step forward for the common good and our progeny and pass the next Constitutional Amendment. One that will reinstate the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act for the good of all people, whether right-wing or left-wing. Use your Vote and support candidates that signed the We The People Amendment to get big money out of our politics! https://lnkd.in/ge--DTVE

Check out Leslie’s newest article with PBS’s Preserving Democracy! 🗳️

Here is a short look into an issue at the heart of the American democracy!

Important article on how to cover elections !

You too can influence the Democratic Party. I recently wrote a post on Democratic Clubs: the party of the Party🥳 Since we’ve all recently been reminded of the critical (and complicated!) role that parties play in national politics, this post is about how you can influence your foundational unit of the Democratic Party: the Democratic Club. https://lnkd.in/evHgDG2G

I've written an article about how we get it wrong when we talk to politicians about democratic innovations. Interested in your thoughts. Read and comment on Apolitical here: https://lnkd.in/gQw86tPE

For democracy to work, citizens must participate in the voting process. Check out these titles to learn more about democracy, the effects of polarization and disinformation, and why it's crucial for citizens to stay informed and engaged to ensure democracy works for everyone.

PDF End of Discussion: How the Left’s Outrage Industry Shuts Down Debate, Manipulates Voters, and Makes America Less Free (and Fun) Mary Katharine Ham; Guy Benson digsell https://lnkd.in/eadu5J9Y Two of the most recognizable and influential young conservatives in the American media today take on the “Outrage Industry,” revealing how the Left exploits wedge issues and fake outrage to silence their political opponents, helping readers to cut through the noise and find their voices again. https://lnkd.in/ekwvs3sM

Ballotpedia's founder & CEO, Leslie Graves, shares monthly insights on PBS's "Preserving Democracy." This month's column is on ballot measures. Ballot measures have been a staple of our civic life since at least the 17th century. Living up to our identity as the Encyclopedia of American Politics, Ballotpedia is undertaking a massive research effort to assemble a complete historical record of every ballot measure that has been on every state’s ballot. This body of work will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved. In this column, Leslie details the way ballot measures serve as a marker for voters' attitudes and preferences. Read the full column here, and let us know what you think! https://lnkd.in/eWjtfgRQ