UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy is a nonpartisan institute dedicated to strengthening democracy.
07/20/2026
The Richmond Times-Dispatch explores the findings from the Karsh Institute's latest report on Election Consolidation and Scheduling in the Commonwealth, helping to answer questions lawmakers are considering as they evaluate potential changes.
Virginia lawmakers weigh ending state’s off-year elections The hope is that not having elections every year would increase voter turnout.
In this episode of our "Defining Moments in American Democracy" series, award-winning author John Grisham reflects on the Brooklyn Dodgers' signing of baseball All-Star Jackie Robinson in 1945—a decision that challenged long-standing barriers not just in our national pastime but also in our society.
For Grisham, Robinson's story reminds us that democracy advances when individuals are willing to stand for the nation's highest ideals, even in the face of extraordinary adversity.
What does Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes see as a defining moment in American democracy?
As part of our "Defining Moments in American Democracy" series, she points to the Reconstruction Amendments—the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution—as a transformative chapter in the nation’s history.
Barnes explores how these amendments sought to realize the ideals of the Declaration of Independence by abolishing slavery, establishing birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law, and expanding political participation.
Are you ready for America’s 250th birthday?! 🦅🎂
Last year, our interns Hunter and Meredith tested some Hoos on the lawn with the pronounciation of “semiquincentennial”—and they got some interesting results.
➡️ Tag someone you know who might need a little practice with this word before the big day on July 4. 🇺🇸
06/23/2026
Are democracy and capitalism inherently linked?
It's a question that has shaped political and economic debates for decades. Scott C. Miller, director of the Karsh Institute's Democracy and Capitalism Lab, explores the relationship between democratic governance and market economies—and whether one can thrive without the other.
Are Democracy and Capitalism Linked? A UVA Scholar Weighs In Darden’s Scott C. Miller says the two systems are more dependent on each other than Americans assume.
06/11/2026
How could a recent Supreme Court ruling reshape voting rights across the country?
In a new article, experts from across the political spectrum examine the implications of Louisiana v. Callais, a decision that could affect how electoral maps are drawn nationwide. Read more below.
What a Recent Supreme Court Decision Means for Voting Rights and Redistricting Legal experts say Louisiana v. Callais could impact voters well beyond the state’s borders.
06/10/2026
University of Virginia students: We've extended the deadline for applying for the fall 2026 Civic Cornerstone Fellowship! You now have until Sept. 4.
The Civic Cornerstone Fellowship brings together undergraduate and graduate students from across Grounds to engage in civic dialogue, explore different perspectives, and discuss the issues shaping our democracy.
If you haven't applied yet, there's still time to join this community of students committed to constructive engagement across differences.
Learn more and apply by Sept. 4: https://karshinstitute.virginia.edu/CCF
06/08/2026
We are pleased to share that our executive director, Melody Barnes, has been named to the inaugural Braver Angels Advisory Council.
The council brings together leaders from across perspectives who share a commitment to strengthening civic trust, fostering constructive dialogue, and engaging across differences — values that are central to our work at the Karsh Institute of Democracy.
Twenty-three leaders who disagree on many things said yes to the same thing this month.
They agreed to stand together, publicly, behind the idea that Americans can hold fast to their convictions while staying genuinely curious about the convictions of people on the other side. That's it. That's the commitment.
Today, we're honored to introduce the inaugural Braver Angels Advisory Council—a remarkable group of elected officials, scholars, journalists, civic leaders, authors, entrepreneurs, and advocates who bring different perspectives but share a belief in the dignity, worth, and value of every person.
Their participation is an invitation: to disagree without contempt, to engage across differences, and to practice the kind of courageous citizenship our country needs.
Visit our website to meet the Council members and learn more about why they have joined this effort.
06/04/2026
Earlier this week, we announced a partnership with More Perfect to advance local journalism and strengthen civic education and engagement on college campuses nationwide through our Promise of Democracy Fund.
The partnership will launch the next phase of the Virginia Local News Ecosystem Study, which applies research to address the challenges facing local news and its essential role in a thriving democracy. More Perfect’s investment will also accelerate the national expansion of the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, a program designed by the Karsh Institute to cultivate civic leadership and deepen students’ ability to engage across differences.
Together, we will drive forward local journalism and continue to advance civic education in service of our great country.
More Perfect Announces Partnership With the Karsh Institute of Democracy To Bolster Local Journalism and Expand Civic Education Nationwide More Perfect announced a new partnership with the Karsh Institute to advance local journalism and strengthen civic education and engagement on college campuses nationwide.
05/22/2026
This year’s graduating interns at the Karsh Institute brought curiosity and a deep commitment to civic engagement.
Through research, storytelling, and public programming, they helped advance conversations about democracy at UVA and beyond.
We are grateful for their contributions and proud to celebrate all they have accomplished. Congratulations to the class of 2026! 🎓