Colorado State hosts Democracy Summit ahead of 2026 midterm elections

Colorado State University hosted its fourth annual Democracy Summit on October 26-27, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to discuss democracy ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, according to the Rocky Mountain Collegian.

The event, organized by the College of Liberal Arts, featured lectures, workshops, and forums on topics such as courts, journalism, technology, leadership, and democratic innovation, aiming to deepen understanding and participation in civic life.

This year marked the first time the summit was held in the fall instead of spring, with organizers hoping to capitalize on the election season to encourage voter engagement, said Katie Knobloch, associate professor and summit director.

Attendees had opportunities to interact with local judges and justices, learn about the legal system, celebrate the Center for Public Deliberation's anniversary, and hear a keynote on artificial intelligence's political implications.

The summit sought to move beyond historical perspectives on democracy to focus on contemporary challenges and innovations in civic participation, as noted by the College of Liberal Arts dean, Kjerstin Thorson.