![Democracy '26 on an American Flag background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790685860/colbysawyeredu/z9ocbwh6sg6klfwaf6ep/Democracy26.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790685860/colbysawyeredu/z9ocbwh6sg6klfwaf6ep/Democracy26.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790685860/colbysawyeredu/z9ocbwh6sg6klfwaf6ep/Democracy26.jpg","width":606}])
Adventures in Learning (AIL), which provides lifelong learning programs at Colby-Sawyer College, will offer Democracy ’26, a political lecture series, this October and November.
The four-part series brings together respected organizations and experienced presenters to provide a nonpartisan examination of the election process before and after New Hampshire voters head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of election integrity, informed civic engagement and the broader political landscape.
“Our hyper-political reality is characterized by intense heat but very little light,” said Eric Boyer, professor of political studies and chair of the Department of Arts & Humanities at Colby-Sawyer and one of the Democracy ’26 lecturers. “Partisan slogans from one side are parried with slogans from the other, resulting in a perfect algorithmically controlled climate for anger and confusion. Our hope in offering this AIL series is to take a step back from the crush of crises and rage-bait and provide an opportunity for the community to hear from presenters who will offer historical context, institutional points of view and possible ways forward.”
The series will kick off on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. with a presentation from the Democracy Defense Foundation. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, former Ambassador Dick Swett and former Representative Charlie Bass will discuss the safe, secure and transparent electoral system in New Hampshire and the reasons why this system should serve as a benchmark for the democratic process nationwide. They’ll also highlight their work across the state reinforcing why Granite Staters can trust both the process and outcome of New Hampshire’s elections.
Former Representative Charlie Bass, NH Secretary of State David Scanlan, Former Ambassador Richard Swett
Series details are as follows:
- Strengthening Democracy in NH - In partnership with Democracy Defense Foundation and featuring former Ambassador Dick Swett, former Representative Charlie Bass and New Hampshire Secretary of State Dave Scanlan. Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.
- Voting Rights: Then and Now – Featuring President Liz Tentarelli, League of Women Voters. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m.
- 2026 Midterms: Results & Analysis – Featuring Professor Eric Boyer, Colby-Sawyer College. Monday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m.
- Beyond the Midterms: American Political Traditions, Transitions and Opportunities – Featuring Study Leader Peter Gunn, Adventures in Learning. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m.
All events will take place on the Colby-Sawyer College campus in New London, New Hampshire. Preregistration is required for each event. The cost is free for AIL members; $15 per event for nonmembers. To learn more or to register, visit ailcsc.com/register.