The Great Battlefield Voting Rights and Civic Engagement with Rebekah Caruthers of Fair Elections Center
Nov 24, 2025
Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, is a seasoned expert in voting rights and civic engagement. In a compelling discussion, she shares her journey from a politically active family in Omaha to navigating the complexities of voting barriers in America. Rebekah advocates for vital reforms like automatic registration and highlights the urgent need to combat misinformation. She reflects on the aftermath of January 6, the ongoing threats to democracy, and the importance of inclusive participation for a healthier democratic future.
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Make Campuses Civic Infrastructure
- Institutionalize civic engagement on campuses to make voting durable for students.
- Work with colleges to register students, inform them about elections, and treat campuses as long-term voting communities.
Early Civic Roots Shaped Her Path
- Rebekah Caruthers grew up in Omaha where her mother registered people to vote at the grocery store and library.
- She watched family voting as a normal civic duty and went on to run for local office at age 21, learning campaign realities firsthand.
Lessons From Congressman John Dingell
- Working for Congressman John Dingell humbled Rebekah and exposed her to deep institutional memory and courage.
- She recounts a campaign tactic where his staff swapped racist leaflets between neighborhoods to blunt intimidation and win reelection.