Many Americans understand voting as the most important right in our democratic society. Yet, voter turnout rates are low.

Traditional and social media coverage of the election, existing as they do in a lightning-fast market, frequently cover only the most click-able, flashy headlines. But, the issues at stake in this election are complex, historical; understanding them takes more time than most media outlets give them.

Presenters: Dr. Andrew Hartman (history), Dr. Lane Crothers (political science)
Moderator: Lea Cline
Performance: Dr. Justin Vickers (voice), Geoffrey Duce (piano) and Dr. Roy Magnuson (composition) — performing a commissioned work of music related to the election of 2016

This event is part of the “Super Tuesdays: The Culture of Voting in America” program series, which is designed to engage the Bloomington-Normal community in a discussion of the most important and complex issues facing American voters with the guidance and assistance of Illinois State University faculty who have expertise in the complexities of those subjects. The goal of this series is for all participants to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of American voting and engage more deeply with the voting process as individuals.

For more information please contact Lea Cline at lkcline@ilstu.edu or visit illinoisstate.edu.

This event is funded, in part, by an Illinois Humanities Community Grant as part of its Illinois Speaks program. To see other upcoming Illinois Speaks events, visit our events page. Apply here for an Illinois Speaks Community Grant. Learn more about our Community Grants program.