Inspiring engagement in our democratic future
The Center for Democracy & Civic Empowerment offers Michigan expertise, events, explorations, and opportunities to foster a culture of learning and curiosity as we work together for a flourishing democracy for all.
Democracy News
-
Event
After the vote: Students ask faculty experts about the 2026 midterms
-
Article
How can students get excited about voting? This University of Michigan lecturer uses video games
-
Article
UMich launches Center for Democracy & Civic Empowerment, concludes first Democracy Week
Events
-
A Look Back at the 2026 Midterm Elections
November 19, 2026 | 12:00PM | Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson St, Room 1430
-
Expanding Representation in Michigan: Proportional Representation and State Elections
December 2, 2026 | 4:30-5:30PM | Weill Hall - 1120, Annenberg Auditorium
U.S. at 250
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Center for Democracy & Civic Empowerment, the Clements Library, and the Arts Initiative are leading a university-wide program marking this historic milestone.
Student Opportunities
Engagement and empowerment are the hallmarks of democratic society. How do you want to engage? In the classroom? On campus? Across the globe? We bring together courses, scholarship opportunities, internships, and funding possibilities to equip students with the tools and experiences necessary for impactful participation in democratic societies.
Engage
-
A Community Guide to AI & Election Protections
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can create images, voices, or texts that look and sound real — but aren't. This zine outlines ways in which AI can disrupt elections and recommends places to find the truth.
-
Democracy Collection
The Democracy Collection is a curated portfolio of clips, courses, and Teach-Outs™ to provide a deeper understanding of democracy's role in our society.
-
Dialogues in Democracy
Dialogues in Democracy is an interdisciplinary collection of University of Michigan Press books that explore the core tensions in American political culture.
Learning Opportunities
Learning. Exploration. Inquiry. The breadth of the University of Michigan’s expertise opens our classroom's to a myriad of paths for democratic engagement.
