Whether you call ours a democracy or a constitutional republic, being informed is one of the linchpins of its success. Join Knox County Public Library and Humanities Tennessee for an exploration of the complex forces that affect our system of governance. All sessions are free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 27
Electoral Anomalies
Presented by Jack Neely, Knoxville History Project

12:00 | East Tennessee History Center
Learn the intriguing story behind the 2nd congressional district: Density as destiny, surprising firsts, and exceptions to every rule. Pre-ordered lunch available.

Thursday, September 27
Tennessee: Why Aren't You Voting?
6:00 | Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street
Tennessee has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country. Why? Join us for an honest, open and civil conversation about the state of civic participation in Tennessee. During this 90-minute facilitated conversation, participants will review short materials and discuss the reasons behind low voter participation across the state and how to address them. Free pizza.
Dr. Daryl Carter, Associate Professor of History, ETSU.
Co-sponsored by Humanities Tennessee , Think Tennessee and the
Arts & Culture Alliance.

Friday, September 28
East Tennessee History Center

10:00 - Does Every Vote Count? Voter Rights & the Disenfranchised
Julie Gautreau, Public Defender, and Tammy Kaousias, Attorney at law

11:15 - Hacked. How Safe Are Our Elections?
Cliff Rodgers, Knox County Administrator of Elections

1:00 - Democracy & the Free Press Panel Discussion
Facilitated by Jesse Mayshark, founder of Compass
Panelists include Margie Nichols, Bill Lyons, Tyler Whetstone

2:15 - Money & Politics: Complicated Truth of Peddled Influence
Dr. Tony Nownes, Political Science, UTK

3:30 - Globalization, 'Globalism' and the rise of nationalism in Europe and North America
Dr. Ian Down, Political Science, UTK

Sunday, September 30
Gabriel Over the White House (1933)
Film Screening & Discussion
2:00 | Lawson McGhee Library
In this 1933 classic, a U.S. President becomes a dictator to save America, and Depression-weary Americans cheer.
Discussion led by Dr. Bruce Wheeler, Professor Emeritus of History, UTK

Wednesday, October 10
When Democracy Worked: Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
12:00 | East Tennessee History Center
The story of how the impossible happened. Pre-ordered lunch available.
John Stewart, Legislative Director for Senator Hubert Humphrey

Tuesday, October 16
Choose Civility: How to Talk Politics & Still Be Friends
6:00-7:30 | Lawson McGhee Library, mezzanine
Joe Miles, Associate Professor of Psychology, UTK

Register: Knoxlib.org/democracy

This symposium was made possible with the support of our partners:
Jane L. Pettway Foundation, Leadership Knoxville, League of Women Voters, Arts and Culture Alliance, UTK, Dept of Political Science