In the final program of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council’s 2026 Voices into Votes series, University of Wisconsin Political Science Professor Barry Burden paints a picture of the U.S. election system and discusses ways to implement a hopeful vision for securing the integrity of its elections, building trust in the nationwide, decentralized elections system, and ensuring accessibility for all people eligible to vote.
Sharing case studies and the work of scholars, pro-democracy civil society organizations, and political actors committed to a fair and robust electoral process, he and co-presenters Caroline Tolbert (Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Iowa) and Julie Persons (Johnson County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections) will explore the practical importance of increasing civic engagement, representation, and political accountability.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.