Michael Gilbert, Sullivan & Cromwell Professor, School of Law John Harrison, James Madison Distinguished Professor, School of Law Nicole Hemmer, Assistant Professor, Miller Center For centuries Americans have fought and died for the right to vote. Today the violence has ebbed, but legal conflicts continue—over voter identification laws, proof of citizenship requirements, long lines at polling stations, and the Voting Rights Act, which the Supreme Court recently cut back. Meanwhile, wealthy donors and outside groups are pouring more money into politics than ever. Proponents argue that the First Amendment protects their spending, which is a form of political speech, and that the money buys ads that inform voters. Opponents argue that the money corrupts and undermines our democracy. This panel will discuss these developments and offer a picture of elections in America. http://alumni.virginia.edu/learn/program/elections-in-america/