This fall, two UC Berkeley centers are gearing up for the election by hosting a variety of events to help others make informed voting decisions. The Institute of Governmental Studies (led by Sociology Professor Cristina Mora and Political Science Professor Eric Schickler) and Social Science Matrix (led by Sociology Professor Marion Fourcade) have partnered in various events and panels spanning over the next two months that will cover the national and state implications of this election year.
From analyzing local ballot measures to dissecting national voter trends, these events aim to equip the campus community with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the polls. Featuring expert panels, workshops and cross-disciplinary discussions, the series offers a deep dive into both state and national political dynamics.
"Part of our mission is to bring people together and provide information that will help orient them to American politics and policy, and hopefully engage them in our democracy. We're nonpartisan and we welcome all perspectives here," Christine Trost, the executive director of The Institute of Governmental Studies said. "Our main goal is just to help provide informed analysis and data that's going to help create an informed citizenry and encourage participation in our democracy."
Here are the upcoming events:
State & Local Ballot Measures Lunch Talk
The Institute of Governmental Studies is hosting a workshop to review California's 10 statewide propositions and the City of Berkeley's 12 ballot measures. This event will provide resources to help inform voters in preparation for the Nov. 5 election day.
When: Thursday, Oct. 3, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Institute of Governmental Studies, 119 Philosophy Hall, Berkeley, CA 94742
Registration for this event can be found here
Voices from the Heartland
Co-sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Studies and Social Science Matrix, "Voices from the Heartland" gathers perspectives from rural America, featuring UC Berkeley Sociology Professor Emerita Arlie Hochschild, UC Santa Cruz Sociology Professor Jenny Reardon and UC Davis Law Professor Lisa Pruitt. They share insights from Appalachia, Kansas and the rural-urban divide in Arkansas and California. As the presidential election approaches, the panel aims to shed light on influential but often marginalized voices from small towns and rural areas.
When: Monday, Oct. 21, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Social Sciences Building, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720
Registration for this event can be found here
Latinos and the US Election, UC Washington Center
The Institute of Governmental Studies is co-sponsoring "Latinos and the US Election" with the University of California Washington Center located in Washington D.C. This event will be specifically looking at the role of Latinx voters and organizations and the role that they are playing in this election year. The event is hybrid and people can join virtually by registering on the IGS website if attendees cannot make it in person.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5-9:30 p.m. ET
Where: University of California Washington Center 1608 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Shifting Alignments in the 2024 Election
Co-sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Studies and Social Science Matrix, "Shifting Alignments in the 2024 Election" will explore the evolving demographic and political trends shaping the U.S. presidential race. Panelists, including Law Professor Ian Haney López, History Professor Emeritus David Hollinger and Political Science Professor Cecilia Hyunjung Mo, will analyze how gender, age, race, ethnicity, and issues such as the economy, abortion, immigration and democracy are driving voter behavior. The discussion will focus on the changing bases of the Democratic and Republican parties as they work to build new electoral coalitions ahead of the 2024 election.
When: Friday, Oct. 25, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Social Sciences Building, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720
Registration for this event can be found here
California and the 2024 Election
"California and the 2024 Election" will feature a presentation by IGS Poll Director Mark DiCamillo, with the newest statewide poll data leading up to the election and commentary from a panel of experts about the mood of the electorate, likely turnout, national control of the House and Senate, the race for the Presidency and key statewide initiatives.
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: IGS Library, 109 Philosophy Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720
Election Night Watch Party
Join the Institute of Governmental Studies for an election night watch party. The event will feature live coverage of the 2024 presidential election. Attendees can gather to watch the results unfold for the race for the White House and many others and discuss the political landscape of this high-stakes election.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Where: IGS Library, 109 Philosophy Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720
Election Post Mortem
This event will provide an in-depth analysis of the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump. Experts will break down the outcomes, voter trends and the implications for California and the nation.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: IGS Library, 109 Philosophy Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720
