Voting rights experts to go “On the Issues” to discuss securing the right to vote, Oct. 20

The Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education will host “On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Changes to Election Laws – Is Your Right to Vote Secure?” on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 12:15 p.m.  

Mike Gousha, distinguished fellow in law and public policy, will be speaking with Atiba Ellis, professor of law, and Molly McGrath, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) voting rights attorney. 

The conversation will focus on recent changes to state election laws across the country and their potential impact on future elections. Supporters of the changes say they are a response to concerns about voter fraud, particularly in the 2020 election cycle. Voting rights advocates say that there is no proof of widespread voter fraud, and that the new legislation is an effort to suppress voter turnout.  

In this conversation, we’ll hear from two people concerned about the new wave of legislation. Molly McGrath is a voting rights attorney, advocate and organizer for the ACLU’s Voting Rights project. She is a Brooklyn Law School graduate and previously worked on voting rights issues for the organization VoteRiders.  

Atiba Ellis is a professor of law at Marquette University whose research focuses on voting rights law. He is a frequent speaker on the topic at academic conferences, university and law school lectures and community events. Ellis earned a J.D. from Duke University and previously taught at Howard University and West Virginia University. 

The live, virtual discussion will be available via the “Watch Now” button; register online for access. A recording of the discussion will be available on the law school website after the program.