Posted by Cathy L. Stewart on October 19, 2023 at 9:42 AM

ASU center to host 3-part election education series

October 16, 2023

The Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at Arizona State University will host a three-part election education series that explores issues of elections, the fundamental right to vote and election patterns.

The first event, “Who is the Independent Voter?," will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Armstrong Hall on ASU’s Tempe campus.

The forum will kick off with remarks from Thom Reilly, co-director of the center, and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Other speakers include professors from ASU, Stanford University and the University of Arizona, as well as those in leadership roles with various political organizations. 

“The rise of the independent voter and the exodus of millions of voters from the Republican and Democratic parties is reshaping the nation’s political landscape in ways no one can control or even predict,” Reilly said. “This is a challenge to how America has thought about politics for generations: It’s a two-party game and people vote for the party they are loyal to.

“The first forum will explore the legal and structural barriers impacting independent voters from a national and Arizona perspective, as well as presenting the most current research on this group of voters.”

Attendees can receive a free copy of the book “The Independent Voter" by Reilly, Jacqueline Salit and Omar Ali.

The additional events in the education series will discuss important issues surrounding the ways elections are run, the fundamental right to vote and election reform.

“The voter education series this year will take a deep dive into cutting-edge issues impacting the core of the American principle of the fundamental right to vote. Topics include who is the independent voter, new-wave election reforms and demystifying how elections are run,” Reilly said.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to join the center and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 5:30 p.m. for a reception ahead of the 6:30 p.m. event.

Visitor parking is available in several lots and parking garages near the venue. Learn more about the first event and RSVP at asuevents.asu.edu/event/who-independent-voter.