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Democracy demands new ideas.

Harvard’s hub for research and teaching on democracy

The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation develops ideas and fosters practices for equal and inclusive, multiracial, and multiethnic democracy and self-government.

Read more about our flagship programs here. 

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From sovereignty and civil resistance to technology and elections, we are advancing democracy today while imagining a better version for tomorrow.

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News & Analysis

The historic firsts of the 2026 midterm elections
A snapshot of some of the new elected officials from the 2026 U.S. midterms.

Commentary

The historic firsts of the 2026 midterm elections

Election night 2026 produced a remarkable roll call of historic firsts. From the first Black woman elected governor of a U.S. state to the first Muslim elected to the Senate, voters broke barriers across state and party lines.

What the 2026 Midterm Results Mean for Technology Policy

Commentary

What the 2026 Midterm Results Mean for Technology Policy

This overview maps the technology policy themes from the 2026 US midterm elections, drawing on local ballot measures and proposals from newly elected officials.

Vet the Vote: How Military Families and Veterans Are Strengthening Democracy
Two people voting in front of an American flag.

Q+A

Vet the Vote: How Military Families and Veterans Are Strengthening Democracy

Ahead of Veterans Day, the Ash Center spoke with the leadership team at Vet the Vote about how their nonpartisan coalition empowers veterans and military families to continue serving their country as trusted poll workers.

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