Global Public Affairs Bureau of the U.S. Department of State through its Foreign Press Centers is organizing a reporting tour titled ‘Democracy is More Than Election Day’ together with the Meridian International Center. This extensive program, running from March 12 to 21, invites journalists from around the world to parts of the United States with a unique political climate. The event is slated to unfold in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Columbus, Ohio, key locations in the U.S. political landscape.
The tour aims to educate its international guests from over twenty countries — including Austria, Fiji, Germany, Qatar, Russia, Uzbekistan, and others — about the continuous nature of democracy in the U.S., stretching far beyond the events of Election Day. Journalists will examine how American democracy is crafted not just through voting but through ongoing civic participation and community endeavors.
Participants will attend sessions highlighting initiatives like voter education and innovative political journalism, enriching their understanding of how local actions shape national policy.
The speaking roster includes Nevada Public Radio station’s Senior Producer Joe Schoenmann, who will discuss the intricacies of presidential elections in a pivotal swing state. Also featuring is Lorena Portillo, the Registrar of Voters, who will offer insights into the operational side of elections at the county level. There are a number of journalists, public figures, professors, and other media representatives among the speakers.
The itinerary offers more than political discourse; it includes cultural and historical immersions at local museums and tourist attractions, with additional stops at farms and other establishments that contribute to regional identity.
This immersive initiative comes as the U.S. prepares for its 60th quadrennial presidential election, scheduled for November 5, 2024, where incumbent President Joe Biden, and his predecessor Donald Trump, both harbor intentions to run. If nominated by their respective parties, it would present a rare presidential rematch — the first since 1956, underlining a highly anticipated electoral contest. The tour is thus timely, offering international correspondents a fertile ground for stories amidst a charged political atmosphere, culminating in the inauguration set for January 20, 2025.
This initiative also coincides with congressional and gubernatorial elections, further emphasizing the multi-layered aspects of the U.S. electoral system. With Biden and Trump emerging as presumptive nominees after the pivotal Super Tuesday on March 5, the stage is set for an election season ripe with narrative potential, offering these visiting journalists an exceptional window into the American democratic landscape.
