DSS 2025 Day 2: Effective State-Level Solutions

Day Two of the Democracy Solutions Summit highlighted the importance of expanding democracy at the state level. Speakers discussed solutions such as state voting rights acts, ranked choice voting, fair legislative pay, and using campaign funds for childcare that can create sustainable leadership opportunities for everyone. _ Where to find each session: Welcome and Introduction by MC, Tamaya Dennard 0:00-3:02 Opening Remarks by RepresentWomen Staff 3:03-10:33 Expert Discussion #1: Preserving Democracy: State Voting Rights Acts 10:34- 35:08 Break #1 35:09-36:53 Expert Discussion #2: Removing Barriers to State Legislative Office with Ranked Choice Voting - 36:54- 1:15:15 Break #2- 1:15:16- 1:17:06 Expert Discussion #3: Modernizing State Legislatures: 1:17:06- 1:54:12 Closing Remarks with Stacey Abrams 1:54:12- 2:05:51 _ The agenda for the day includes: Welcome and Introduction by MC, Tamaya Dennard, RepresentWomen Programs and Partnerships Manager Opening Remarks: Alissa Bombardier Shaw, Operations and Development Manager at RepresentWomen, Victoria Pelletier, Program and Partnerships Manager at RepresentWomen, and Fatma Tawfik, International Research Manager at RepresentWomen Expert Discussion #2: Prioritizing Childcare & Paid Leave: The Path to a More Inclusive Democracy Rebecca Mears, Director of Democracy, Center for American Progress Candice Battiste, Campaign Strategist, Senior Community Organizer at Legal Defense Fund Erica Peresman, Senior Advisor at Promote the Vote Expert Discussion #2: Removing Barriers to State Legislative Office with Ranked Choice Voting Jeanne Massey, Executive Director, FairVote Minnesota Michelle Sparck, Director of Get Out the Native Vote Brianna Gomez McGowan, Steering Committee Member of Make All Votes Count / Co-Director of Delicious Democracy Katie Fahey, Executive Director of The People Michelle Whittaker, President of the RepresentWomen Board Christina Henderson, DC Councilmember Expert Discussion #3: Modernizing State Legislatures: Campaign Funds for Childcare, Security, and Legislative Pay Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners Sarah Hague, Chief Program Officer at Vote Mama Layla Zaidane, President & CEO of Future Caucus Marvelous Maeze, U.S. Research Manager at RepresentWomen Closing Remarks from Stacey Abrams, political leader, business owner and New York Times bestselling author