Events / Democracy at the Crossroads: Challenges & Responses in the 21st Century

Democracy at the Crossroads: Challenges & Responses in the 21st Century

5:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
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Dates & Times:

Thursday, May 21: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Friday, May 22: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Locations:

Thursday, May 21: Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Friday, May 22: Charles F. Knight Center

The Department of Political Science at Washington University in St Louis is proud to host the 4th Annual Conference on Elections, Public Opinion, and Voting Behavior (EPOVB). The American Political Science Association’s (APSA) organized section on Elections, Public Opinion, and Voting Behavior (EPOVB) promotes scholarly dialogue related to teaching and research on elections, electoral behavior, public opinion, voting turnout, and political participation, both within the United States and throughout the world.

The 2026 Conference Theme is “Democracy at the Crossroads: Challenges & Responses in the 21st Century.” Global politics today shows signs of democracy under threat, characterized by the erosion of civil liberties, weakening judicial independence, and the rise of authoritarianism. This conference seeks to delve into the myriad challenges facing democracies, exacerbated by issues such as political polarization, money in politics, erosion of trust in institutions, marginalization of immigrants and racial/ethnic minorities, and the spread of misinformation on digital platforms.

Open to WashU students, staff, and faculty. No advance registration required to attend the panel sessions.

 

More Info Here

Host Team

Conference Agenda

Thursday, May 21
5:00 PM: Welcome Reception and Poster Session
Friday, May 22
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM: panel sessions 1, 2, 3
  1. Race, Gender, and Political Outcomes
  2. Voter Decision-making and Measurement
  3. Polarization and Political Violence
10:30 am: break
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: panel sessions 4, 5, 6

4. Parties, Place, and Polarization

5. Immigration and Political Behavior

6. Populism and Support for Democracy

12:30 PM: break
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM: panel sessions 7, 8, 9

7. Public Views on Democracy

8. Racial Coalition Building

9. Voter Turnout and Political Engagement

3:00 PM: break
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm: panel sessions 10, 11

10. Political Rhetoric and Values

11. Political Connections

Campus Map and Directions

For visitors coming from off campus for Thursday’s Welcome Session, designated visitor spaces are available on the first level (P1) of the East End Garage. Parking is free after 5:00 PM. Click here for driving directions to the East End Garage via Google Maps.

For visitors coming from off campus for Friday’s proceedings, we recommend parking in the Snow Way Parking Garage. You may enter the Garage via Big Bend & Snow Way or Forest Park Parkway & Throop. Visitor parking is available on the first level or on the down ramp to the second level. Click here for directions via Google Maps.

The below map highlights all Conference meeting locations and available parking.