Not making it easier for people to vote. Politicians polarizing the citizens. Misinformation. The internet.

Keep politicians accountable. It’s our right – appreciate it! One vote can make a difference.

Informed – educate yourself. Vote – participate in political process. Law abiding

The greatest challenges are to live up to the words in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and treat all ethnicities with justice and equity and without prejudice. The mistreatment of all people of color historically and in the present day has been a deterrent to the actual realization of a true Democracy.

Voting allows you to have a voice in who represents you in your government. Also African Americans fought hard to make sure African Americans were able to vote.

A person who respects his/her community is aware of issues that impact their community and do their part to make their community a better place. Involved in their community and law abiding.

Propaganda – false information. Age gap. 48 million to 88 million in the 21st century.

Ancestral blood has been spilled in order to make a vote matter.

An informed individual that participates in the democratic process. The “good” citizen represents themselves and their community.

Inequity in education.

Leaders who seem to have similar values. Vote to keep people out. Choice.

Voting, law abiding, educating, respect each other, investing in process.

Overcoming the rampant racial bias. Make economic progress. Educating unregistered voters.

I want to be part of the needed change to facilitate progress in all areas of government and education. I want to have my opinion and voice heard.

Willingness to work for community betterment, take active part in activities to further education and communication.

Misinformation, conspiracy “theories,” people spreading and believing lies.

It is our voice speaking to those in government

Keeping up with government events and issues. Voting after getting to know the candidates.

The greatest challenge to our democracy is our future to participate in voting; respect the right of others to vote without interference. Politicians and community leaders are failing to listen to the concerns of community members.

Voting is my proud right to choose our leaders. I get to decide who decides for me. Money decisions about changes in my country. Having the opportunity to voice my concerns. Having the chance to reeducate my decisions on choices.

A good citizen is one who cares about the community, is law-abiding and respects the rights and well-being of others. Taking care of your community. Seeking the needs of other community members. Advocating for the wellbeing of other communities. Being knowledgeable of the issues. Communication.

Black Balling of fellow dems who advocate for equity. Anti-team mentality/patriarchy. Chauvanistic/misogynistic mindsets. Corporate control via lobbyist. Injustice. Voter apathy. Oppression. Bullying.

To have legitimate representation. Voice that matters. Combat patriarchy. Balance of allocation of funding. Efforts of ancestors should be paid homage to.

Unselfishness. Caring. Common sense. Democracy. Schools that include civics and civic participation. Team mentality.

One of the greatest challenges is the ability of a subset of people to use today’s media to spread lies and stories to support themselves.

Voting meanings I have say in who gets elected, what laws get elected and how the government money is spent.

A good citizen is a person who pays attention to what is happening with the government, someone who volunteers to help elect good and righteous people, someone who helps others when they are in trouble, someone who is not afraid to fight against greed and fraud, overall someone who cares about people, all people.

Decisions are not made that benefit all people.

Voting w/in your community can help to elect people you want to change the things in your community that you may dislike.

Active w/in community. Involved in elections. Works on change in community.

No transparency and lack of accountability. Greed, deception, and lies are reasons democracy is failing.

Voting is important because it allows a community to have a say in community choices that govern their environment.

A good citizen is a person who takes care of their community and has interest in improving community standards.

Elected officials who bully the citizens. Voter apathy. Voter suppression and intimidation. White supremacy. Lack of civic education, training, exposure, and competence. Poor communication channels.

Voting honors the ancestors who fought and died for the right. My voice must be heard. Candidates/leaders should be elected, not appointed leadership and titles. Impacting laws, policy, and civility.

Fulfilling your duty to vote. Holding elected officials accountable. Following the law. Working toward a better society and community. Attending public meetings.

Extremists – both far right/left. Complacency. Non-involvement. Sense of dread so why bother.

Your vote = your voice. School funding is directly tied to who sits at the table. You need to ensure your representation truly represents you and the larger whole. If you don’t vote – decisions happen to you not with you.

They vote. They monitor the process and put their voice in the room beyond voting. They help make the community successful. They see themselves as part of the community and act accordingly.

Rigidity – unwillingness to listen/consider other points of view. Siloed information sources reinforcing what people already think – not offering alternative points of view.

Voting makes me feel like I am part of the process and making a difference. I like to see other people voting so that is why I prefer in-person voting.

Listen to other points of view respectfully. Weigh the pros and cons/evidence. Speak up/take action.

Voting rights restriction. The rise of the militia and rebellion. The threat of civil war. The change in the Republican Party. Propaganda – misiniformation.

The right to vote is a civil right and the bedrock of our democracy.

Civically engaged. Registered to vote. Educated in the history of our republic and representative democracy. Morally engaged. Honesty.

Others’ negativity. Hatred. Race relations.

Many fought for our rights. Each voice should be heard. It is essential for our issues to be addressed. Voting allows for change to take place. People need to realize each vote counts in your home.

Kindhearted, have empathy, community involved, honest, civil.

The economy. Educating unregistered voters. Civil process. The current climate of voter restriction. The rise of the militia and rebellion. The threat of civil war. The challenge to the future of our republic.

We matter. Our opinions matter where we need to have our voices heard. The right to vote is our civil right, the bedrock of our democracy. Having the right to choose our leader who is fair and transparent to shape the laws of our country we also need leaders whose morals and values align with ours. Voting allows change to take place. Candidates who refuse to come to debates DO WE VOTE THEM – NO.

The willingness to work for the betterment of the community. To serve the community have morals, honesty, and empathy. They should be knowledgeable of the consequences of their action. Be civic engaged and registered to vote. Good parenting teaches good ethics and morals, be kindhearted and have empathy.

It is a right we have access. It is important to keep people out of power. Keep bad actors out of positions. If you are a state worker, you have the option to vote cause you have the day off – all have the power to change outcomes.

Respects community. Involvement in community. Care. Participate in the democratic process. Law abiding. Able to respect and appreciate diversity. Flexibility.

Election lies, compromising the law and transparency and accountability. Interferences of government in what affects our lives especially on the issue of abortion, etc.

Using our voice as our power to choose our leaders. Sharing in the choosing of appropriate people to lead. Having the opportunity to voice your concerns in choice of leadership. Having the opportunity to reevaluate who should be our leaders.

Taking care of the city, county, or community you live in. Catering to the needs of other members of the country who would be in need. Advocating for less fortunate members of your society. Being knowledgeable of issues in your community. Having equal access and communication of news in your community.

Ensuring the intentions of politicians are good. Many politicians aim for goals like furthering their own ideologies, even if it does not benefit our community as a whole.

Voting is important because our government officials make choices regarding our lives daily. Our voices and power as individuals may feel small, but voting truly does affect the community around us.

I believe that a good citizen is one that wishes to contribute to and better their society. A good citizen is someone who wants the best for everyone in their community.

The spreading of fake news that divides citizens keeping them from working to improve society as well as the way capitalism has affected things and allows the rich too much control over government.

It allows the citizens to participate in their government which allows the majority to live safely and freely. It can also prevent the people from living in tyranny.

Someone who actively gives back and participates in their community as well as being welcoming to those joining their community.

Division of ideology towards how to govern our country and taking the time to listen to others side, and questioning truths that put our democracy at risk.

Voting provides an opportunity for a country’s citizens to share their voice on how to ensure ones country looks out for all of its people.

A good citizen is an individual who not only tries to live an honest life for themselves and their family but also considers the lives of their neighbors, both locally and nationally. In addition, a good citizen seeks to work along said neighbors in the interest of a better country for all its people.

People who question the integrity of election results. Corrupt political figures who question the integrity of election results and spread misinformation.

So many people worked tirelessly to allow women/minorities/etc. to vote, so why would you waste that. Gives you the power to make an impact based on your beliefs and perspectives. Your influence on society.

Someone who concerns themselves with bettering their community. Educated on the policies and politics that affect themselves and their ommunity. Proactive in making a positive difference.

The biggest challenges include all of the events happening in our world.

It is your job as a citizen to participate and share your opinions.

Participating in your civic responsibilities.

The clash between opposing opinions. Individuals with different views often are against or have some form of judgement towards each other. This causes a divide in our society and government, and it has been shown to cause political and social issues.

Voting allows the population to make decisions on who should be in what position and how they’ll be a good fit for the country.

A good citizen is someone that follows the laws and are helpful to other citizens.

Many people are far too involved in their own opinion that sides and division has clouded our democracy. We must not be divided by views, but must listen and understand each other. Division has brought down the unity and community in our society, and we must work to join together once again.

Voting is important because each voice matters, in order to work towards a better community, there must be a good and just leader in front.

A good citizen is one who helps around the community, as well as, voicing to improve all aspects of it.

The greatest challenge would be having a definition or clearly defining what is considered Democracy. Since the world has progressed and is no longer the same, in addition with technology making things even more challenging, Democracy is no longer the same, and many people might have different ideas to what is Democracy.

Voting gives a citizen a sense of responsibility and allows them to choose future leaders who they think will make the country better. Voting is important because at the end of the day, the leaders who govern society are governing society for the people and their respective needs.

A good citizen is someone who follows the laws set in the society but at the same time, makes a meaningful contribution in society. This is not just through economic aspects but also through providing feedback over laws and policies and how they can be made more effective.

Corruption and inefficiency are the greatest challenges to our democracy.

Voting is important because it allows your voice to be heard.

A good citizen is someone who does what they need to do and helps others whenever they can.

Trump’s crypto-fascism poses an immediate and grave threat. One senses the Germany of 1938, ’39 – mobs encourage by Hitler to break Jewish shop-windows = “MAGA”! – When was America great? Before Civil Rights gave Blacks the right to vote? When Native Americans were subjected to genocide? Before women could vote? Trump would return us to a horrific past.

Democracy can only survive (and thrive) if we are all good citizens. We tend to think that Democracy is something good for us because it can bring prosperity to us. And indeed she has brought a lot of goodies to most of us. But we have also think what we can do to make the fruits of democracy reach everyone, not only themselves. Democracy needs responsible citizens who respect the opinion of fellow citizens and requires citizens who will try to understand the people with different opinions. Democracy is a system that may move slowly (sometimes…) but the duality of the results it brings to the society is of such high volume that guarantee (with high probability…) the progress of the entire society. Democracy also depends on truth, and facts, and education and community spirit, and people (and their representatives) who care about each other. Let’s talk more about what we can all do to make Democracy happy!

Voting gives you some voice to speak up. In today’s world, being heard is difficult but by voting you’re able to have somewhat of a say about what’s going on.

To have a say in our government and the laws it passes to ensure our civil rights.

Fake news, nobody reads newspapers, corruption of the last administration, supreme court partisans, guns, hate of immigrants.

Fraud – election integrity

Agendized by shallow and simple-minded citizens and politicians, as well as public education.

Putting the national interests above personal, ethnic, religious, gender, “identity,” etc. interests

Empowerment to make the change one believes in.

Erosion of the idea of public good. Also the way success is defined – achievement in terms of money and power.

Sense of responsibility

Participating and being a part of an equitable and fair society.

Pride and fear – my grandfather taught me voting is a privilege and a responsibility. To vote for the person make the best decision for me whether they looked like me or agree with everything I thought. To vote for someone that would do the research and get to the truth and make the choices to better everyone’s lives. To do the best for my community, state, and nation.

Participation

1) Voter suppression including district gerrymandering
2) Funding for candidates often seems to make them beholden to special interest groups
3) Purposeful misinformation regarding legitimacy of elections.
4) Lack of faith in the democratic process.

I have been going around PA and NJ giving Civic Saturdays on how the power in democracy grows when we are able to work in community with others on issues that are important to us. Each meeting begins with the reading of a document or speech that has had an important part in the development of our democracy. The last Saturday service used a speech given by Carie Chapman Catt. Then there is a sermon on democracy. It’s a sermon because we are talking about how we believe in democracy and the ways that it works for us and gives us the power to ensure that our government is of, by and for us, the people of the United States of America. In November’s Civic Saturday, the sermon was about how life experiences prepare us to appreciate democracy and help us understand how important community is in making democracy work for us. After the sermon, we discussed the aspects of our belief in democracy and how the sermon affected them.

The Republican Party today is democracy’s main challenge. Donald Trump is so much more than unlikable. He is dangerous to our democracy and us. He foments hatred between citizens and violence against those who express a differing opinion than his and MAGA followers. The inability to speak freely without fear is the the first amendment. First. And this MAGA movement is much more than a ‘challenge’ to our democracy. It is Everest. But we must remain steadfast and take action to reach the peak. This party, as it is today, and this man must be stopped. He is not a god and he will be defeated if we speak out, encourage others to speak out, and vote, vote,vote.

A good citizen speaks out and cares about democracy for everyone. A good citizen takes time to understand the full history as it really is, and then faces that history head one with all its complications and imperfections – not so we can deny the difficult and cruel parts of our history, but so we can learn from our mistakes and fight for justice, and make a better tomorrow for our children and those who will come after.

One of our two major parties has become an authoritarian party and is undermining the key institutions and norms undergirding American democracy.

I remember my mother helping me to register to vote. I remember her telling me in free democracy that every vote counted and that I should never miss or take for granted the opportunity to do so.

There seems to be a wide chasm of civic discourse that helps groups agree on what citizenship entails. Why is seems lawlessness is acceptable confounds me. How do we help communities understand how civic discourse is conducted? How we move forward to help, enrich, and educate on how communities should be?

The main challenges facing democracy today are much of the electorate’s inability to think critically and to exert the necessary mental energy to research not just the issues, but workable and equitable solutions. A willfully uninformed public that prefers unverified opinions, even repetitive ranting, will be the undoing of our society no matter the form of government. We have seen what tyranny of the majority and moneyed interests have done to political discourse, pursuit of sound policies and the well-being of the nation as a whole. Demagoguery and jingoism coupled with authoritarian populism are readying to tear our house down. More credible, serious media coverage, a cessation of algorithmic pandering in an atmosphere of real civics education may be the the beginning of the long arduous way forward to a truly a civil society.

Voting is important to me because I cannot complain about the way things are run by our elected officials if I don’t participate in the process of choosing who governs us.