Democracy Solutions Project

Illinois Republicans grapple with mail voting amid mixed signals from Trump — 'We have to adapt'

A greater share of Chicago area Republicans cast their ballots by mail in March compared to the 2022 primary, but they were still vastly outpaced by Democrats in using a voting system that has become increasingly popular.

By Mitchell Armentrout

U.S. Capitol Police officers stand at an intersection near the U.S. Capitol and a Library of Congress building in Washington on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, as law enforcement investigate a report of a possible explosive device in a pickup truck.

Violent threats against politicians are a risk to democracy

By Alexandra Filindra

The Capitol dome in Washington, framed by early morning clouds,

Democracy Solutions Project

Our federal government is bloated with political appointees, and that weakens democracy

By Max Stier

Democracy Solutions Project

Didn't vote on Tuesday? You weren't alone. Here's how to start making the Illinois primary a bigger draw.

By CST Editorial Board

Demitasse restaurant in Little Italy. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Other Views

If you live in a lower-income or rural area, you're probably in a news desert

By Sarah Stonbely

The dome of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 13, 2023.

Democracy Solutions Project

Want to fix American democracy? Tell us how.

We want to hear from you. Tell us what you think is wrong with our democracy and share how you think we can fix it.

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What is 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.

Editorials

Editorials

It shouldn't be so hard to become an educated voter

What’s really needed is to shore up local news. Voters say they don’t have access to clear, unbiased information on candidates amid a well-documented decline of local newspapers and news media.

By CST Editorial Board

Illinois State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, argues in 2021 that the state’s new legislative maps are partisan.

Editorials

For voters’ sake, draw the line and end gerrymandering

Lawmakers across the country are finagling ways to give themselves an edge in elections, which erodes the rights of voters to representatives of their choice. Solutions: The U.S. Supreme Court could step in, or states could agree to have congressional maps drawn by an independent commission.

By CST Editorial Board

Election judges seated at a table arrange ballots to be distributed to voters in the Nov. 8, 2022 midterms.

Democracy Solutions Project

Chicago and Cook County are looking for election judges. Why not step up?

The March 19 primary is approaching, and the November general election after that. Election officials are offering incentives to attract judges

By CST Editorial Board

A voter casts their ballot while a poll worker hands him a card at the polling place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Democracy Solutions Project

Small donor matching would help drive big — and secret — money out of politics

The voices of ordinary people often are muffled in political campaigns, as candidates are deluged with cash from wealthy donors.

By CST Editorial Board

Former President Donald Trump speaks in front of a backdrop with a flag and campaign logos during a commit to caucus rally, Dec. 13, 2023, in Coralville, Iowa.

Editorials

Donald Trump’s candidacy, and America’s democracy, head to the U.S. Supreme Court

Whether Trump should be kicked off ballots under the 14th Amendment gets to the heart of what makes our democracy tick: free and fair elections among candidates who, at the least, meet basic qualifications to hold a particular office.

By CST Editorial Board

Attorney Scott Gessler argues before the Colorado Supreme Court on Dec. 6, 2023, in Denver.

Editorials

Here’s what could determine whether Trump is kicked off ballots in 2024

The Colorado Supreme Court kicked Trump off the ballot. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take up the case. The U.S. Constitution is clear on the matter, if the court rules that Trump engaged in insurrection.

By CST Editorial Board

Events

Recoding America

Why Government is Failing the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better with Jennifer Pahlka on March 27.

By Sun-Times Marketing

Democracy Solutions Project

If you think term limits would fix dysfunction in Congress, think again

A Brookings Institution expert explains why seniority in Congress has clear benefits for individual members and their constituents.

By Molly Reynolds

A sign that reads, “early voting” is posted on the first day of early voting at the Loop Supersite at 191 N. Clark St., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

Democracy Solutions Project

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 access to clear, unbiased information to help them make choices.

By Mitchell Armentrout

Democracy Solutions Project

How to vote in the March 19 primary

Here’s a guide to casting your ballot — whether you’re looking to register to vote, vote by mail or vote in person.

By Tony Arnold | WBEZ

Democrat-crafted maps in 2021 protected U.S. Rep. Sean Casten’s congressional district — while forcing U.S. Rep. Marie Newman into a district with U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. Newman ultimately opted to run against Casten and lost.

Democracy Solutions Project

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.

By Tina Sfondeles

Jane Lau, a Chicago Board of Elections community services representative, recruits residents to serve as poll workers on Jan. 11, 2024 at the Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Democracy Solutions Project

Election officials seek new incentives to recruit election judges for March primary

Finding enough election judges has become increasingly challenging. Officials have tried increasing pay and tapping groups such as veterans and high school students and more.

By Tessa Weinberg | WBEZ

A woman seated at a table with ballots hands them out to two voters.

Democracy Solutions Project

Wealthy donors influence elections with their wallets. Small donor public financing would benefit everyday Americans.

More states and localities are adopting small donor matching. A growing body of evidence shows it can deepen voter engagement and counteract the influence of big money, a Brennan Center expert writes.

By Joanna Zdanys

Former Gov. Pat Quinn, Republican megadonor Ken Griffin, former Gov. Bruce Rauner and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have all played pivotal roles in Illinois elections over the last decade.

Democracy Solutions Project

Big money, big problems. 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 — like fighting big money with public funding of campaigns.

By Tina Sfondeles

Rep. Jamie Raskin speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol.

Editorials

Biden impeachment inquiry risks politicizing future Congresses

The precedent Republicans are setting threatens to turn the concept of an impeachment inquiry into a oft-used partisan tool.

By CST Editorial Board

Special Counsel Jack Smith stands behind a Justice Department podium to announce his indictment of Donald Trump on charges of election interference.

Democracy Solutions Project

Jack Smith took his case against Donald Trump straight to the Supreme Court. Here’s what that means.

The special counsel asked the high court to rule quickly on Trump’s weak claim of immunity from criminal prosecution. Jack Smith’s strategy has implications for democracy, a University of Chicago legal scholar explains.

By Aziz Huq

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (left), businessman James T. Weiss (center) and former Gov. George Ryan are among those convicted in political corruption scandals in Illinois.

Corruption in Illinois breeds voter cynicism, but what about voter apathy?

By Dave McKinney | WBEZ Chicago

Alcott Elementary School eighth graders prepare for a trip to Washington D.C. in 2017.

Democracy Solutions Project

All Illinois middle schoolers must pass a civics education class. How do you make sure it sticks?

CPS discourages civics tests based on rote memorization. Try a quiz using that approach — and see what schools are doing now instead.

By Kate Grossman | WBEZ

Corliss High School junior Mentrell Blackman is on his school’s student voice committee.

Democracy Solutions Project

Chicago students work to improve their schools, and find their voice along the way

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.

By Sarah Karp | WBEZ

The U.S. Capitol is seen at dusk in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 13. A government shutdown on Nov. 17 would deal a blow to our economy and to public trust in government, two University of Chicago experts write.

Democracy Solutions Project

Federal government shutdowns are costly, for the economy and public trust

There are serious debates to be had about government spending, but the edge of a shutdown is no place to have them. Ignoring the consequences won’t bring us closer to more responsible government, two University of Chicago experts write.

By William Howell and Sadia Sindhu

Editorials

In U.S. House speaker battle, threats aimed at lawmakers undermine democracy

The use of threats to try and shape political discourse cannot be tolerated. The tactic was on full display last week when Republicans who failed to support U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan for House speaker were threatened with violence.

By CST Editorial Board

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on democracy at a ceremony honoring the legacy of the late Sen. John McCain, at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Sept. 28.

Editorials

Americans can’t tire of Biden’s warnings: Democracy is under siege

What does it say about the state of the nation when a president, with decades of experience in politics, feels compelled to make speech after speech reminding us that we all have a stake in protecting the American experiment?

By CST Editorial Board

A couple takes their wedding pictures in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC.

Democracy Solutions Project

Purple hearts. Can red and blue find love together?

Matchmaking services find fewer people are willing to hold hands across the political aisle.

By Catherine Odom

eaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif speaks to reporters outside of his office at the US Capitol Building on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. McCarthy announced Tuesday that he endorsed launching a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Democracy Solutions Project

Fishing for a reason to impeach President Biden is bad for America

Congress should be focusing on avoiding a government shutdown and addressing issues Americans view as important. Instead, right-wing Republican partisans are treating our country’s institutions and practices with blatant disrespect.

By CST Editorial Board

Former President Donald Trump waves as he steps off his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this month in Arlington, Virginia. He faces four indictments.

Other Views

Trump’s been indicted twice for trying to overturn the 2020 election. Here’s how the two cases differ.

Neither the Georgia indictment nor the federal case will lead directly to his exclusion from office, a University of Chicago law professor writes. But ultimately, the two cases might have very different consequences.

By Aziz Huq

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks in Atlanta, Georgia regarding the grand jury indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 others on charges of trying to overturn that state’s 2020 election results.

Editorials

Trump’s indictment in Georgia was a step that had to happen, for the nation’s good

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had to step forward, given the brazenness of the alleged actions, including charges that Trump’s allies tried to tamper with one county’s voting machines.

By CST Editorial Board