This month we have the honor of talking with Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State, about voting, education and the future of democracy. Dr. Weber draws on both her lived experience and her storied career as an educator and national leader in expanding voter access to discuss barriers facing college student voters and the vital role higher education plays in cultivating civic responsibility. Her insights offer hope and practical steps for strengthening democracy in 2026 and beyond.

Episode Resources:

• More official California voting locations and vote-by-mail ballot drop-off locations can be found at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov once the election gets closer. 
• For more information on the upcoming election, visit vote.ca.gov 
• To learn more about California’s college civic engagement efforts, visit California Students Vote Project