In this episode, Chanda sits down with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon for a conversation that goes beyond the ballot box. Together, they unpack the state of democracy in America and why choosing not to vote isn’t resistance, but resignation.

From the real impact of government shutdowns to the erosion of public trust, Simon shares a behind-the-scenes look at how democracy actually functions and what happens when we disengage. He reminds us that voting isn’t charity; it’s power. It’s how communities get seen, resourced, and respected.

This conversation is a wake-up call to anyone who has ever thought, “My vote doesn’t matter.” It’s also a roadmap for how to lead, connect, and rebuild across our differences.

Learn more: mnvotes.gov 
— official Minnesota voting information

Foundation: spmcf.org
— Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation

More episodes: conversationswithchanda.com