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Democracy Optimist
Hosted by Joshua Douglas

Democracy Optimist is a thought-provoking public radio series and podcast that delves deep into the heart of democratic processes, elections, and voting rights to ask a simple but vital question: how do we sustain our democracy? The series is hosted by University of Kentucky Election Law research professor Joshua Douglas, a passionate advocate for civic engagement, and produced by WEKU.

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Latest Episodes
  • Scott Warren
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Scott Warren, co-founder of the organization Generation Citizen, which empowers young people by improving local civics education across the country.
  • Stephen Richer
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Stephen Richer, who served as the County Recorder, administering elections in Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes Phoenix.
  • Dr. Fernanda Buril
    Josh Douglas speaks with Dr. Fernanda Buril, the Deputy Director of the Center for Applied Research and Learning at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
  • Ben Hovland
    Josh Douglas speaks to Ben Hovland, a Commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
  • Democracy Optimist Live Recording Before 2024 Election
    We wrap our Democracy Optimist series for 2024 in front of a live audience at the University of Kentucky
  • The history of the Voting Rights Act
    Joshua Douglas looks at the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
  • Jason Kander
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Jason Kander who has a particular focus on improving our election system
  • Jennifer Morrell
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Jennifer Morrell, CEO and Co-Founder of The Elections Group
  • Kim Wyman
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Kim Wyman, senior advisor to the elections project at the Bipartisan Policy Center
  • Trey Greyson
    Joshua Douglas speaks to Trey Greyson, former Kentucky Secretary of State and now leader of the Lobbying and Public Policy practice group at the law firm, Frost Brown Todd
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