The right to vote needs to be seen as the most important right needing protection in modern America. Through the ballot, citizens can still partake in the decision-making process. Our humanity and our common heritage in this country should be enough to guarantee the right to vote to every citizen. Yet once again, a series of voting rights scandals have erupted around the November 2018 midterm elections. What can be done?

In a video published by Baruch College’s Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs in New York City on October 24^th, a panel of experts discussed the perils ahead, under the topic “Democracy In Peril, Defending Our Voting Rights”. Panelist included:

• David S. Birdsell : Dean, Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College/CUNY.
• Susan Lerner : Executive Director, Common Cause New York.
• Melissa Mark-Viverito:  Senior Advisor, Latino Victory and Former Speaker, New York City Council.
• Douglas Muzzio:  Professor, Austin Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College/CUNY.
• Ezra Rosenberg:  Co-Director, “Voting Rights Project”, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

About the host school:

The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs has the largest public affairs faculty in the nation. The School has established an outstanding record since its founding in 1994. It has the single most diverse student body of all full time graduate programs in public administration in the United States, according to the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM). 

Of course, Baruch College provided voter registration forms for anyone not already registered to vote in New York. The video lasts for about an hour. Take a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uDgjeBCvnw