Sunday, October 25
Muttenz, Switzerland
DA Discussions - Midterms 2026: How's it Going?
Join us for our revived DA Discussions series!
With the 2026 Midterm elections just weeks away, the political landscape is moving fast. Join us on October 25th for a lively, up-to-the-minute discussion on where things stand. We’ll dive into the critical races, the national mood, and the defining issues of this election cycle.
Our conversation will kick off with a look at recent developments regarding election integrity, interference concerns, and the ongoing influence of Donald Trump on the midterms. Because the news cycle is moving so quickly, we are keeping our reading list dynamic. We have one foundational article to start, and we will share additional essential readings as we get closer to the event.
Whether you're following the polls daily or just tuning in, come share your thoughts, hear from fellow members, and let's make sense of the 2026 midterms together!
Suggested Readings:
-
Inside Democrats’ efforts to secure Election Day and respond to fears of Trump interference by Annie Grayer and Fredreka Schouten for CNN
Read as a PDF- Democratic leadership has run tabletop exercises simulating over 150 potential interference scenarios by the Trump administration, including federal law enforcement presence at polling locations, ballot challenges, and voter roll purges.
- A massive mobilization of lawyers and nonpartisan monitors is preparing rapid-response litigation, pre-drafting court injunctions, and deploying bipartisan observers through certification in January 2027.
- Amid optimism about retaking congressional majorities, party leaders are treating election administration and chain-of-custody safeguards as critical battlegrounds to ensure every vote is counted.
- Check back soon; more readings will be added as Election Day approaches!
Hybrid Event: Private residence in Muttenz and Zoom; RSVP for details
About DA Discussions:
We will examine various facets of democracy in group discussions facilitates by political scientist Michael Contarino, Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire.
Contarino founded and directed the Politics and Society program at UNH-Manchester, the UNH-in-Italy program, and the UNH-Manchester Florence program at Palazzo Rucellai. He has taught World Politics, US and World Affairs, International Relations Theory, Politics and Society, Dictatorship and Democracy, Politics and Propaganda in Film, The Politics of Food, and Business, Government, and Society, among other topics. You can read his full bio here.
Each event will cover a different topic and offer complementary readings. The readings are intended to provide insight into the topic at hand but are completely optional.
All are welcome!
WHEN
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 03:00 PM Bern Time
CONTACT
Elizabeth Voss
[email protected]