Democracy Day is a collaborative reporting project involving over 400 news organizations to highlight the crisis facing democracy in the U.S. Launched before the 2022 midterms, it aims to raise awareness and provide essential information on democratic issues, with content published annually on September 15, the International Day of Democracy.
The “Fractured” project by Carnegie-Knight News21 is an in-depth journalistic initiative that explores the current state of American democracy. It focuses on issues such as election denialism, intimidation and threats toward election workers, and the widespread dissemination of disinformation. The project aims to provide a comprehensive examination of these challenges and their implications for the future of democracy in the United States
Republicans and Democrats work to restore voter trust and faith in democracy
WOODRUFF, Wis. – From cross-partisan groups working in battleground states to off-the-record meetings of conservatives in Republican strongholds, new initiatives nationwide aim to restore trust in elections and shore up democracy.
America confronts election intimidation as political violence surges
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Election intimidation became the norm after the 2020 election. To shore up democracy’s defenses this year, officials across the country are increasing training and implementing new protections, such as erecting ceiling-high fences to safeguard workers.
Advocates work to ensure citizens not fluent in English have equal access to elections
LAS VEGAS – As demographics shift, advocates from Las Vegas to Alaska are fighting to make voting accessible for citizens who speak different languages. But challenges remain – from the cost of translating materials to outright resistance to the idea.
‘This will not be tolerated’: Americans grapple with AI’s influence on elections
CONCORD, N.H. — This year’s election marks the first amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and that has regulators, lawmakers and voter advocates examining how best to regulate the technology to combat its misuse.
“We need to speak out and speak loud”: People of color battle targeted disinformation
AUSTIN, Texas – Disinformation has surged in the U.S. and beyond and become an especially powerful threat during election years. Experts say immigrant communities and people of color are particular targets, as bad actors exploit political fears and ideologies and find these voters where they congregate – on messaging apps such as WeChat and WhatsApp.
Native Americans fight barriers to voting, 100 years after they were granted citizenship
WOLF POINT, Mont. – The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 recognized Native Americans as U.S. citizens, yet for decades after, states blocked Indigenous people from voting. Today, experts warn that some states are once again restricting Native Americans’ access to voting and to democracy.
As civic knowledge declines, programs work to engage young people in democracy
NEW YORK – With studies showing a decline in civics education and knowledge across the U.S., programs from Arizona to New York are working to engage the next generation in democracy.
Hero or villain? Experts and voters consider Trump’s lasting impact on democracy
BOISE, Idaho – It’s been a common refrain this election year: Democracy itself is at stake. Those assertions briefly abated after the July assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but a question nevertheless begs exploration: What is his lasting impact on American democracy?
‘The most horrible day’: Those at the Capitol on Jan. 6 carry scars, shame, satisfaction
The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in American history. Four people who were there gave News21 access to their daily lives to share the enduring impact of that day. “You don’t want to tell people you’re a Jan. 6er,” one says. “It’s not something to be proud of.”
Alabama illustrates America’s ongoing fight over voting rights
MOBILE, Ala. – Since the 2020 census data was released, racially discriminatory redistricting processes and laws have spread across the nation’s courthouses. In the South, Black voters are faced with adversity and a cause: securing the equal vote.
American-ish Samoa: Debate persists over rights denied to millions from U.S. territories
SALT LAKE CITY – Nearly 4 million people live in the five inhabited U.S. territories, but their ability to participate in American democracy is limited. When one American Samoan fought for more, he caused rifts across the islands.