2021 Post-Election Analysis: Political Landscape & Larger Trends
Virginia’s 2021 elections were challenging for Democrats. Nearly a week later, votes continue to be counted in the two races that could leave the House in a partisan tie — Sister District candidates Alex Askew and Martha Mugler. As we’ve written, the Sister District community had a tremendous and creative year providing fundraising, field support, […]
THE GUARDIAN: America is full of ‘democracy deserts’. Wisconsin rivals Congo on some metrics
The United States is becoming a land filled with “democracy deserts”, where gerrymandering and voting restrictions are making voters powerless to make change. And this round of redistricting could make things even worse.
SALON: The Roberts Court is destroying voting rights — winning back state legislatures is the only answer
Op-Ed by Gaby Goldstein and David Daley, originally published by Salon: The Roberts Court is destroying voting rights — winning back state legislatures is the only answer
Under Pressure: Harnessing Social Norms and Social Pressure for Persuasion
Social norms are rules about ways of thinking and behaving that are deemed socially acceptable by one’s society. Read more about the different types of social pressures.
Why States Matter: ALEC
Last week, we received a phone call at home from a number identified as “Washington, DC.” Our country calling! Of course we picked up. And, ooh boy, was it a doozy. A voice asked our party affiliation, then asked Question #1: Do we support live-streamed vote-counting (i.e. having a web-cam going at polling sites)? Would […]
VA Primaries 2021
The Virginia primaries are officially behind us! It was a wild primary season, with historic activity down ballot at the statewide and state legislative levels. Read on for a quick update on the primaries.
Persuasive politics: Cialdini’s principles of persuasion at work
Social psychology, and the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini and colleagues in particular, has had an outsized influence on modern-day political strategies. Here, we review the principles and talk about how they are used in politics.
Abortion Rights in the States: Interview with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Executive Director Jamie Lockhart
With a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, there is a very real possibility Roe v. Wade will be struck down. Learn what’s at stake for protecting access to reproductive healthcare in Virginia and throughout the country.
If Roe is overturned, the fight moves to the states
We’ve always known that a conservative-majority Supreme Court would threaten abortion rights. Still, we know that state legislators have power, for good and for ill.
Virginia Climate Bills – Sister District Candidates Make a Difference
Read more about Virginia’s climate bills including the Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020, supported by Sister District Alumni.
