Cafe 1–SEPTEMBER 12
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Pre Election Self Care |
Recognizing Signs of Election Related Stress or Anxiety, Setting Boundaries with Political Discussions, Managing Exposure to News and Media, Levering Support Networks (family, friends, community) |
|
Campaigns & Political Parties |
Campaign Finance and Super PACs, Role of Political Parties, Campaign Strategies and Advertising, Influence of Political Action Committees (PACs) |
|
Election Admin. & Security |
Role of State and Local Election Officials, Voter Registration Processes, Mail-in and Absentee Voting, Cybersecurity and Protection Against Interference |
|
Elections |
experiences, in general |
Cafe 2 -SEPTEMBER 26
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Historical Context & Evolution |
History of Voting Rights Movements, Significant Amendments (e.g., 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments), Evolution of Electoral Laws and Practices, Key Supreme Court Decisions Affecting Voting |
|
Voting Rights & Accessibility |
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, Voter ID Laws, Accessibility for Disabled and Elderly Voters, Felon Disenfranchisement |
|
Voting |
as a young person, in general, experiences |
Cafe 3 - OCTOBER 10
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Voter Behavior & Demographics |
Voter Turnout and Participation Rates, Demographic Influences on Voting Patterns, Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Education on Voting, Role of Polling and Public Opinion |
|
Electoral Systems & Processes |
Electoral College vs. Popular Vote, Primary and Caucus Systems, General Elections and Runoffs, Redistricting and Gerrymandering |
|
Comparative Electoral Systems |
Comparison with Electoral Systems in Other Democracies, Impact of Different Electoral Systems on Representation, Lessons from International Election Observations, Global Trends in Election Reforms |
Cafe 4 - OCTOBER 24
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Tech Advancements & Challenges |
Electronic Voting Machines and Paper Ballots, Online Voter Registration and Voting, Blockchain Technology in Voting, Addressing Misinformation and Fake News |
|
Impact of Media |
Role of Traditional Media in Elections, Influence of Social Media Platforms, Fake News and Disinformation Campaigns, Regulations on Political Advertising |
|
Beyond Voting |
Movements, Action Items |
Cafe 5 - NOVEMBER 7 (Post Voting Cafe)
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Post Election Self Care |
Understanding and Processing Emotions Post-Election, Coping Mechanisms for Dealing with Post-Election Disappointment or Elation, Channeling Emotions into Constructive Action, Strategies for Taking a Break from Media |
|
Analyzing Results |
Demographic Breakdown (age, gender, ethnicity, education level), Factors Influencing Turnout (e.g., weather, political climate), Differences Between Regions (e.g., coastal vs. inland, north vs. south) |
|
Implications for the Future |
Shifts in Voter Demographics, Shifts within Major Political Parties and the Rise of Third Parties and Independents, Changes in Party Platforms and Priorities, Evolution of Campaign Tactics, Role of Grassroots Movements and Decentralized Campaigning, Push for Changes in Electoral Law |