The 2026 November midterm election will not only be a selection of individual candidates, it will serve as a referendum on our democratic process. As voters, we may be faced with illegal or unconstitutional disruption of the voting process, efforts to disenfranchise eligible voters, and threats of federal intervention at state polling places that could include the use of armed federal officers. SideBar: Optimism in Action welcomes former State Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning to our discussion of the importance of our individual roles in protecting and sustaining our democratic process this November.

November 2026 will direct the future of our American democracy. Did we see this coming in 2024? Revisit our November 2024 discussion with Madiba Dennie and Lawrence Goldstone. Thoughtful, insightful, and uncannily prescient.

There is no such thing as a typical day in a family medical practice in rural America. Dr. Leslie Hayes of El Centro Family Health in Española, NM believes that in order for patients to have the best possible outcomes, they need evidence-based, nonjudgmental care in a place that is accessible and familiar to them. She was named a White House Champion of Change in April of 2016 for her work with substance use disorder and pregnancy. Her work was also featured in The Providers, an award-winning documentary about rural health care airing on PBS.

The Central Coast of California is one of the most spectacular regions in the world. But our sense of imagination for what is possible faces growing challenges. Today, too many families cannot cover the cost of housing. Many of our workforce must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live here. At the same time, the lack of a reliable water supply and strict environmental regulations add to both our housing shortage and our homeless crisis. While these challenges may seem overwhelming, local leaders have no choice but to face these challenges head-on to identify and implement solutions.

As Americans wrestle with questions of election integrity and democracy's future, the book Stealing Elections, American Style reveals how today's challenges are deeply rooted in history. Drawing on decades of litigating election cases and arguing before the Supreme Court, author David Walbert combines gripping stories of stolen elections with a clear explanation of how elections are routinely rigged before a single vote is cast.

The Center for Inclusive Democracy is a nonpartisan research center founded and directed by Dr. Mindy Romero. CID conducts national and multi-state research initiatives exploring voting behavior, civic engagement, and electoral and economic research. CID believes that inclusive civic and political participation is critical in addressing disparities in social and economic well-being, and can improve health, education, and employment outcomes.

Urban Alchemy knows the skills and energy of people who were once incarcerated can transform people and places through love and respect. When individuals in a community are suffering, Urban Alchemy offers solutions. When a neighborhood, street, or intersection earns a reputation as a place to avoid, they turn it into a place of community. Urban Alchemy provides services and engagement that create a peaceful and supportive presence, helping communities rebuild a sense of pride one person at a time. They have helped tens of thousands of people while creating thousands of good-paying jobs with a career path for returning citizens.

For nearly 60 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has been a vital part of our community, empowering thousands of children and teens through life-changing programs, mentorship, and support. Today, BGCMC continues that mission by providing Award-Winning programs to hundreds of local youth daily.

The Can't Win Victory Fund helps "cant-idates" run for office in gerrymandered, unwinnable districts. Why? Because the organization believes that we deserve competitive elections that hold our leaders accountable. The organization recruits, trains, and supports candidates who show up, tell the truth, and build trust in communities that feel like their voice no longer counts. In the last election cycle, they supported over 60 "cant-idates" in state-wide elections. The Can't Win Victory Fund builds social networks and makes politics fun. Their long-term success is that the communities they foster keep working together long after the election.

Teddy Bears with Heart has gifted over 350,000 stuffed animals to help first responders assist children in crisis. In addition, the organization provides nine hospitals and more than 150 agencies with stuffed animals to comfort those in need. They also sponsor the "Share a Bear Because You Care" program through which supporters can purchase small teddy bears from Teddy Bears With Heart and personally share them with people they encounter in everyday life — a neighbor, a senior, a child having a tough day, a first responder, or someone who just needs a moment of comfort.