Voting is what makes democracy real. It is a fundamental part of American society, and voting and civil rights cannot be understated nor separated. In recent years, several states have introduced laws that have increased restrictions on voting rights. Voting by mail and voting before an election is more difficult than in recent years and the authenticity of votes has been called into question numerous times. The role of the state legislature and local elections is also a fiercely debated topic. With elections at every level playing a significant role in our political system, ensuring the accessibility, validity, and freedoms of civil rights is paramount.

With these ideas top of mind, the 2023 Civil Rights Law Institute will center around discussion of voting rights from historical and legal perspectives. Attendees can expect to hear an historical overview of voting rights in the United States as well as panels discussing timely topics like independent state legislature theory, the Voting Rights Act, local administration, and redistricting. The Civil Rights Law Institute’s participants include lawyers, historians, civic leaders, journalists, and other experts from diverse and balanced perspectives, and you can view the complete schedule and faculty listing here.

This important Institute will take place on October 20, 2023, at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, a fitting venue for this annual gathering. The evening before the event, there will be an optional welcome dinner and reception to set the stage for the following day's panels, as well as optional tours of this historic site. Unable to join us in person? The Civil Rights Law Institute 2023 will also be presented via live-interactive webcast, which will offer virtual attendees to experience all of the panels and provide the opportunity to ask questions to faculty.

Six hours of CLE credit were offered.