Enhancing Democracy: The Power of Design in Voting Spaces

Join AIANY’s Civic Leadership Program (CLP) for the first of two public CLP events in 2020.

As we approach this year’s pivotal Election Day, join us for a virtual exploration of New York City’s voting landscape. We will survey existing conditions for NYC voters, both in the context of history and the physical experience of voting, before turning to analysis on the particular challenges wrought by COVID for the 2020 Election. From there, we will look at the design of voting spaces in addition to novel adaptations for physical distancing and safety at polling locations. Finally, we will host a moderated panel to confer, examine, and debate how the marriage of the design of voting spaces—both physical and digital—and grassroots outreach efforts can influence voter turnout and improve the national voter experience.

Keynote Speaker:

Ben Kallos, NYC City Council Member

Speakers:
Gretchen A Macht, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Rhode Island Voter OperaTions & Election Systems (URI VOTES)
Brian Miller, Executive Director, Nonprofit VOTE
Xamayla Rose, NYC Deputy Public Advocate of Civic & Community Empowerment
Eric Spencer, Assoc. AIA; Development Director, Ennead Architects; Democratic District Leader, 73rd District Part C  

About the Program
AIANY’s Civic Leadership Program was founded by the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) with the mission to foster civic engagement and responsibility among emerging architectural professionals. Through mentorship and programming, the goal is to cultivate an enduring culture of advocacy with the intent of sowing lasting benefits for our profession, communities, and nation.