In Focus: Election 2020 and the Future of Civic Engagement

For all the work that goes into a functioning democracy, none is more important than free and fair elections—with, ultimately, the peaceful transfer of power. But beyond voting, this system depends on a web of individuals and institutions that value the integrity of the process as much as the actual result. In this installment of In Focus, we explore the gears of democracy during an American election year unlike any other, featuring the work of a variety of programs including the upcoming event Aspen Ideas: Show Up.

Democracy is a complicated mechanism that’s not working to specifications lately. Some problems are new, some are old, and some are simply the result of poor design. In this post, the Aspen Institute’s programs share what they’re contributing to diagnosing these problems - and fixing them.

With record levels of mail-in voting, counting the ballots may go on for weeks beyond the election-night call we’re all used to. This could lead to speculation about ballot rigging and the integrity of the count, even in the absence of evidence. In a panel discussion, legal, civic, and media experts explain how to prepare for what might be an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

Authoritarians around the world are trying to undermine and weaken democracy, and as a result, people are losing trust in institutions and information. The Aspen Strategy Group looks at these continued attacks and offers a blueprint for how to protect the digital landscape this election season.

Engaging youth in government decision-making processes is much harder than just setting up youth council meetings. Columbia University freshman Jenna Yuan and the Education and Society program offer three ways that state and local governments can get young people engaged in the policymaking process.

Journalism is an essential driver of democracy, ensuring public awareness in a busy world. But local outlets are shuttering, widening the gap between rural realities and the public perception of these communities. Accurate rural and Native American voices also are missing from these conversations. In this report, the Community Strategies Group maps a way forward for rural journalism.

In our fast-moving media environment, “hack-and-leaks” are one of the most difficult stories to cover responsibly. Entering the final weeks of the 2020 presidential campaign, Aspen Digital’s Garrett Graff writes in Wired about what makes these incidents so pernicious—and how we might respond to them.

Aspen Ideas: Show Up

October 20-21 at 7:00 pm ET

Join Aspen Ideas: Show Up to learn about the most effective ways to be part of the democratic process in November — and beyond.

Project Play 2020

Through October 16, 11:00 am ET

Bestselling author Michael Lewis and others discuss how we can build healthy communities through youth sports.

President Trump’s National Security Agenda

October 16, 9:00-10:00 am ET

United States National Security Advisor Ambassador Robert O’Brien and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley discuss domestic election security and counterterrorism, the economic and health crisis caused by COVID-19, and more.

Global Inclusive Recovery and Rebuilding Series

Starts October 19

The first event in the series explores the challenges that entrepreneurs of color face in accessing credit, and what can be done to address them. Register to watch and to receive ongoing series updates.

Informing COVID Response and Communication Through Tech

October 21, 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

The COVID-19 crisis has turned many of our traditional communication and information systems upside-down. Aspen Tech Policy Hub grantees propose how to build resilient tools for accessing resources and information in the midst of a pandemic.

From R&D to the FDA: The COVID-19 Vaccine Process

October 23, 3:00 - 3:45 pm ET

Aspen Ideas: Health explores the process of vaccine development, authorization or approval, and deployment with Obama administration FDA Commissioner Dr. Peggy Hamburg and current FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn Moderated by Fortune editor Clifton Leaf.

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