International Day of Democracy is today —  a good chance to remind you of how journalism and The Hechinger Report are vital to the health of our American democracy. 

Education touches all of us, and there is enormous urgency around how and where learning takes place, from the earliest years through college and careers. That’s why our staff at Hechinger went deep over the summer to tell you more about the education records of the four individuals running for top office: Former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz. Their views could shape the very nature of what public education means in our democratic society. 

As for me, I attended the national summit for Moms of Liberty to hear more about what some in the Republican Party have to say about education and better understand the nuanced feelings about education among conservatives. 

During this election year, and beyond, The Hechinger Report will report on how education is shaped by policy. I hope the stories we publish, particularly in this pivotal year, will show you why our small but mighty nonprofit staff so deeply values and cherishes covering education.

If you value staying informed about education, education policy and how education is being represented on the ballot, I hope you will support us with a $50 gift. 

We write for you. Thank you for believing in the power of journalism and for supporting our work.