Democracy Quarantined: How to Hold Free and Fair Elections During a Global Pandemic

May 20, 2020
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Technology, Law & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law

Co-sponsored by

 R Street Institute

DESCRIPTION

Holding in-person elections in the middle of a global pandemic presents significant health risks -- risks that can be mitigated by alternative forms of voting.  But as the recent experience in Wisconsin exemplifies, there is dispute about whether and what alternatives to make available.   Should we expand voting by mail?  Can digital tools offer an alternative?

As we approach the general election in November, we must account for the real possibility that social-distancing will still be the order of the day.  This will necessitate workable alternatives to in-person voting that both protect public health and ensure a free and fair election process.

TLS in collaboration with R Street Institute, will host a virtual discussion on the challenges of holding free and fair elections in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

Moderator:  Paul Rosenzweig, Resident Senior Fellow, R Street Institute

Discussants: 

• Richard L. Hasen, Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science, UCI Law
• Nimit Sawhney, CEO of Voatz
• Bryson Bort, Founder and CEO, SCYTHE; Fellow, R Street Institute

Webinar Link: https://auwcl.zoom.us/j/95686639155