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American voters will make crucial decisions on November 3. (Credit: Shutterstock)
This week on Eastern Standard: Democracy Optimist Series, Episode 32
Part One
The very future of American democracy is at stake in the coming midterm election. Is this an exaggeration? Or are we in a period of democratic backsliding? Helping us decide is Professor Steven Levitsky, who has studied democracy and authoritarianism all around the world. Steve is the David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and a Professor of Government at Harvard University.[1] He’s also the co-author of several successful books, including two New York Times bestsellers: How Democracies Die and, most recently, Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point.
Part Two
There are very few voting rights advocacy groups in the United States that have a heritage as rich and proud as the League of Women Voters. Following in the footsteps of their predecessors, the League of Women Voters has been at the forefront of nearly every voting rights issue in the last 100 years of American history, fighting for fair voting rights for all. Whether litigating in court against efforts to restrict voter access, or rallying grassroots support for pro-voter legislation, the League is an important advocate both nationally and at the state and local level in the movement to make elections more accessible for all Americans. Joining host Josh Douglas to talk about the League of Women Voters’ mission to create a more perfect democracy, as well as their plans for 2026 and beyond, is its CEO, Celina Stewart.
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