Noon Edition airs on Fridays at noon on WFIU.

After 2020’s historical election, an insurrection at the capitol, a global pandemic, civil unrest, and a rise in spread of misinformation – some are questioning the future of American democracy.

This week, a statement of concern signed by experts on political science, the U.S. Constitution, and democracy, raised alarm about the “deterioration of U.S. elections.” 

Their statement warned of politicization of electoral administration. This action comes after lawmakers in Texas attempted to pass legislation to reduce early voting hours and create other barriers to casting ballots.

Democrats want to pass national voting rights legislation, but they cannot do so without eliminating the filibuster, which some moderate Democrats oppose doing.

The legislation on voting rights along with a lack of bipartisan support to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol has experts doubting the future of American democracy.

Former Indiana congresswoman Jill Long Thompson says basic ethics and values are vital in protecting democracy. Her book, The Character of American Democracy, highlights a lack of transparency in recent government operations. She argues that citizens could lose their right to participate in governmental affairs if they continue to support leaders who act out of self-interest.  

This week, we will talk with her, political experts, and a signer of the recent statement of concern about public opinion, ethics, and political behavior.

You can follow us on Twitter @NoonEdition or join us on the air by calling in at 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send us questions for the show at news@indianapublicmedia.org.

Note: This week of our guests and hosts will participate remotely to avoid risk of spreading infection. 

Guests

Jill Long Thompson, former Indiana Congresswoman

Paul Helmke, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs professor of practice, Civic Leaders Center Director

Gerald Wright, professor, IU Department of Political Science 

Rogers Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania