Introducing ‘The Democracy Solutions Project’
Ahead of the 2024 election, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times are launching a new series examining how we can strengthen American democracy.
our democracy
The Democracy Solutions Project
Through stories, listening experiences, opinion pieces and news, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times will take a solutions-oriented approach to reporting on the critical issues facing American democracy today. The yearlong special project — in partnership with the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government, with funding support from the Pulitzer Center — examines the current threats to our democracy, including barriers to voting, cynicism, misinformation, polarization and much more.
Featured
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How to vote in the March 19 Illinois presidential primary
Here’s a guide to casting your ballot — whether you’re looking to register to vote, vote by mail or vote in person.
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How does corruption impact democracy? Take a look at Illinois.
A WBEZ analysis shows that while people may be more cynical and government is more expensive, voter interest in state elections has only increased.
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Illinois election officials are ramping up efforts to recruit election judges for March primary
Finding enough election judges has become increasingly challenging, and officials have tried to incentivize residents by increasing pay and tapping veterans and high school students.
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Who to vote for? Too often, it’s about who’s first on the ballot.
Many voters told the Sun-Times they would feel more assured in their picks — and, experts say, a significant share of non-voters might be more inclined to join the process — if they had better …
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Deep-pocketed, self-funding candidates and dark money mar Illinois politics
Primary meddling, dark money and self-funding loopholes help skew Illinois politics to favor moneyed candidates. But there are also solutions.
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In Illinois politics, remaps keep the powerful in power
The maps Illinois Democrats approved in 2021 sealed in their political power for a decade — adding one Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and forcing two Republicans out of their districts.
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Chicago students are working to improve their schools through student voice committees
As part of a shift in civics education, CPS is moving beyond facts and dates and toward helping students experience what it is like to create change.
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Want to fix American democracy? Tell us how.
As part of our Democracy Solutions Project, we want to know what you think are the biggest challenges facing our political system – and how to solve them.
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Three big questions, asked and answered, about Chicago’s move to an elected school board
A series of key decisions lay ahead before Chicago voters begin the transition to an elected school board in November 2024.
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The Rundown: Chicago Public Media launches The Democracy Solutions Project
A new initiative, The Democracy Solutions Project, digs into big themes and questions surrounding democracy in the United States.
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The Rundown: Why are we talking about SCOTUS so much?
The Supreme Court is in the news a lot – for decisions made inside the court and out. How did it get so much power and who’s pushing back?
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Latest
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Supreme Court examines whether government can combat disinformation online
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Missouri, Louisiana and five individuals who were either banned from social media during the pandemic or whose posts, they say, were not prominently featured.
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Chicago-area library launches political scientist residency ahead of general election
Alexandra Filindra is the first person in the role and recently spoke with WBEZ about what she hopes to accomplish.
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Who to vote for? Too often, it’s about who’s first on the ballot.
Many voters told the Sun-Times they would feel more assured in their picks — and, experts say, a significant share of non-voters might be more inclined to join the process — if they had better …
![]()
How to vote in the March 19 Illinois presidential primary
Here’s a guide to casting your ballot — whether you’re looking to register to vote, vote by mail or vote in person.
![]()
In Illinois politics, remaps keep the powerful in power
The maps Illinois Democrats approved in 2021 sealed in their political power for a decade — adding one Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and forcing two Republicans out of their districts.
![]()
Illinois election officials are ramping up efforts to recruit election judges for March primary
Finding enough election judges has become increasingly challenging, and officials have tried to incentivize residents by increasing pay and tapping veterans and high school students.
![]()
Deep-pocketed, self-funding candidates and dark money mar Illinois politics
Primary meddling, dark money and self-funding loopholes help skew Illinois politics to favor moneyed candidates. But there are also solutions.
![]()
The Rundown: How to have your voice heard in local government
Voting isn’t the only way to make your voice heard in our democracy. You can be civically engaged by getting in on the local level of decision-making.
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How does corruption impact democracy? Take a look at Illinois.
A WBEZ analysis shows that while people may be more cynical and government is more expensive, voter interest in state elections has only increased.
![]()
Chicago students are working to improve their schools through student voice committees
As part of a shift in civics education, CPS is moving beyond facts and dates and toward helping students experience what it is like to create change.
