Democracy

Free expression is fundamental not only to our missions of education and discovery, but also to the vitality of our democracy. Below, you will find some of the many opportunities available for you to learn about and contribute to democratic engagement and civic life at our university and beyond.

Democracy Day 2025

In its fifth year, Johns Hopkins’ Democracy Day introduces new students to foundational principles, models inclusion of diverse perspectives, and cultivates skills for democratic engagement.

Information on three organizations (Hopkins Votes, SNF Agora Institute, Hopkins Bloomberg Center)

Hopkins Votes

Hopkins Votes provides voter assistance and education to Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, students, and the wider community.

Attendees watch a speaker at a podium at SNF Agora event

SNF Agora Institute

The SNF Agora Institute strengthens global democracy through powerful civic engagement and informed, inclusive dialogue.

Hopkins Bloomberg Center

The Hopkins Bloomberg Center pairs the power of nearly 150 years of research leadership with a deep commitment to democracy and government innovation.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 9/17/25

The Hopkins Forum: Debating the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Open to Debate, the leading nonpartisan media platform steering the national conversation around the art of debate and the importance of free speech, has partnered with the SNF Agora Institute to hold a flagship series of eight live debates in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore called “The Hopkins Forum: A Debate Series from the Johns Hopkins University and Open to Debate.” With welcoming remarks from JHU leadership.

Thursday, 9/25/25

SCOTUSblog Summit: On the Merits

Hosted at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C., the summit reflects the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue across different perspectives. Members of the legal community, regulatory leaders, senior government officials, and public affairs professionals will come together for focused, high-level conversations on the courts’ expanding influence on policymaking.

Wednesday, 10/15/25

Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival

The 5th Annual Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival convenes scholars, practitioners, students, and community members for a day of dialogue, inquiry, and reflection on the constantly evolving challenges and possibilities of democratic life. Through a series of dynamic conversations, interactive sessions, and shared experiences, the festival creates a space that fosters a deeper understanding of democracy, civic thinking, and collective action.

Monday, 11/3/25

Democratic Resilience in the Face of Global Disruption Webinar with Chatham House and the Royal Institute of International Affairs

Drawing on the partnership between Chatham House and SNF Agora Institute, this event explores challenges to and opportunities for democratic renewal, including examining experiences across regions, why some efforts to promote democracy have failed to have lasting impact, and examples of democratic renewal that may offer pathways forward.

Tuesday, 11/4/25

Hopkins at Home Webinar: Making Space for Democracy

The SNF Agora Institute has opened a building designed to realize the promise of the ancient agora in modern times. Learn more about their new building on the Baltimore Homewood campus, designed by world-renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW). You’ll also hear from Johns Hopkins faculty about how they are creating modern agoras in their classrooms, communities, and around the globe. 

Past Events

Wednesday, 11/13/24

Hopkins Votes Hosts Election Day Events to Encourage Students’ Civic Participation: March to Polls and Election Night Watch Party

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, Johns Hopkins University students gathered at the Beach on JHU’s Homewood Campus, pizza in hand, ready to make their voices heard.

Thursday, 11/7/24

Post-Election Debrief and Discussion

JHU faculty and alumni from both sides of the political divide analyzed the election outcome of the 2024 US general election.