Democracy Academy teaches residents how to boost local political participation

Voters Not Politicians Education Fund (Voters Ed Fund) is relaunching Democracy Academy for its second year of empowering local residents to promote voting and civic participation in their communities! The first 2024 Democracy Academy workshop will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. The topic will be “Your Community Your Government: Making the Case for Getting out the Vote in Local Elections.”

In 2023, Voters Ed Fund launched Democracy Academy, a series of in-person workshops to combat low voter turnout in municipal elections statewide and expand local civic engagement. These workshops were targeted towards those who are starting their civic activism journey and looking to help their communities become more civically active in their local governments.

In its second year, Democracy Academy will introduce additional modules so that voters can take their civic activism to the next level. Attendees will learn about how the current election system encourages low turnout and the consequences of low voter participation on local government. Participants will also be provided with tools and techniques on how to engage neighbors in the political process.

“Every election matters, and local elections especially have an outsized impact on most folks’ day-to-day lives,” said Alyson Grigsby, Voters Ed Fund Education Programs Manager.

Grigsby added: “Unfortunately, many voters aren’t aware of how consequential these local elections can be. And since many local elections in Michigan happen at irregular times, odd number years or outside of November, a majority of voters are missing out on this opportunity to make their voices heard. Making the Case for Local Elections is geared towards folks who are already civically engaged to connect with their friends, family, and community, and help them see the value and importance of these local elections.”

This story was originally published by Flint Courier News. Read more here: https://theflintcouriernews.com/democracy-academy-teaches-residents-how-to-boost-local-political-participation/