Democracy and Society

UB's Student Association sponsors a voter registration drive back in 1988.

Photo courtesy of University Archives.

A true democratic and just society includes opportunity for all. At UB, we strive to foster a society where every voice is heard and every vote counts. Through research and collaboration, we are committed to empowering all individuals to participate in the democratic process, from voter registration--such as this student voter registration event held at UB in 1988--to combatting mis- and disinformation. 

Panel Discussion: Safeguarding Democracy

Safeguarding Democracy - Examining election integrity and the impact of misinformation.

Join us on Sept. 19 for an incisive and timely panel discussion on preserving the integrity of American elections. Our panelists include political science faculty and a member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission.

Learn more and register now.

A Peek Into Presidential Campaign History

UB professor Jim Campbell's presidential campaign button collection gives a peek into political campaigns through the ages. He started his collection back in 1962, and since then, it has grown to more than 400 pins featuring presidential campaigns over the years.

Check out how this pin collection came to be.

Voices of Influence

These influential figures have inspired and challenged us to think critically about democracy, society and the future we are building together. Explore their stories and legacies as we honor their contributions to the conversation at UB and beyond.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama.

On Aug. 22, 2013, former President Barack Obama visited Alumni Arena to deliver a speech on affordable higher education, saying an affordable education is an “economic imperative.”

Gerald R. Ford

Gerald Ford.

The 38th president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, who served from August 1974 to January 1977,  took the stage at UB during the 1988-89 Distinguished Speakers Series.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

UB’s graduate and undergraduate student associations invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak to the university community and the broader WNY community. The event took place at Kleinhans Music Hall on Nov. 9, 1967.

Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson.

Mary Robinson, Ireland's first female president and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke at UB's Distinguished Speakers Series on March 29, 2012.

Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright.

On Nov. 8, 2002, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright discussed American foreign policy after the Sept. 11 attacks during a press conference before her lecture at UB's Distinguished Speaker Series.

Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro.

Geraldine Ferraro: The first female to run for U.S. vice president on a national party ticket in 1984, Ferraro spoke during the first season of UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series in 1987.

Alumni Spotlight

Making Voices Heard
9/11/24

Christy McCormick, BA '85, is one of four commissioners on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, dedicated to ensuring free and fair elections.

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Truth in the News
9/10/24

Ren LaForme, BA '10, found his passion for journalism at UB. He continues to support journalism and democracy, keeping the bigger picture in view.

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Did You Know? Fun Facts About Elections and the People Behind Them

Abraham Licoln was 6 feet, 4 inches, making him the tallest U.S. president.
The first election to use a voting machine was in 1892.
The White House's first website went online in October 1994 during President Bill Clinton's administration.
Jimmy Carter was the first president born in a hospital.
Ulysses S. Grant was given a $20 speeding ticket for riding his horse and buggy too fast in Washington, D.C.
George Washington was the only president who did not represent a political party.
Faces & Voices
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate. ”
9/11/24

Thomas Jefferson

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Lifelong Learning

Engage with the pressing issues of our time through our free webinar series. Gain insights from UB experts around the world on topics shaping democracy and society today.

  • Democracy Trends 2024
    10/23/24
    2024 is the largest election year in history - with over 60 countries holding national elections. Timothy Hellwig, professor in the UB Department of Political Science, shares what has been learned from these elections so far and how the US elections are looking in comparison.