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What Can I Do?
The health and future of democracy depend on all of us. Explore resources to get involved in sustaining our shared system of governance.
Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. From voting in local, state, and federal elections to volunteering, there are several ways to get civically engaged.
The Ash Center is committed to not only driving critical discussions about the future of our democracy but also to providing resources to help you get involved today.
Explore voter resources, events, and more below. Don’t see something listed? Email suggestions to info@ash.harvard.edu.
Can We Save American Democracy?
Organizing and Mobilization during Democratic Backsliding
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Organizing and Mobilization during Democratic Backsliding
The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley
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The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley
Voter Resources
Do you know where your polling location is? Do you know what ID to bring with you? Do you know if your ballot is submitted? Harvard Votes Challenge, Harvard University's voter engagement initiative, has the resources you need.
Join the Conversation
American democracy is headline news. Let’s talk about it.
Blending perspectives from both the political right and left, Terms of Engagement is a weekly live show, hosted at the Ash Center, on Tuesdays at noon that addresses breaking news, providing insights from research and practice to deliver a unique perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.
Explore the Latest Research, Resources
Policy Brief
The Power of Grassroots Organizing on Pro-Voter Reform
In this policy brief, Tova Wang and Melina Geser-Stark argue that while grassroots advocacy has been pivotal in advancing voting rights, it remains overshadowed by the perception that voter reform is the domain of political elites — a view this paper challenges by examining how grassroots efforts mirror modern social movements and drive the push for a more inclusive democracy.
Policy Brief
The 2024 Presidential Election: The Broken Bond Between Youth and Democracy
The 2024 election saw Donald Trump make significant gains among young voters, increasing his support among 18- to 29-year-olds by 10 percentage points. This report aims to investigate the deeper issues at stake that are causing this historical shift.
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A Summer Reading List for America’s 250th Anniversary
On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As this milestone approaches, the team at the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation has curated a collection of books, podcasts, and events that explore the meaning and impact of the declaration from 1776 to today. Join us in revisiting the document itself, reflecting on its legacy, and considering the ongoing struggle to uphold democratic ideals.