Maximo Alberto Zaldivar Calderon

How has technology transformed politics, and what happens next? Tomorrow in Washington, DC, join IFES and @KatieHarbath for a behind-the-scenes look at the collision of technology, elections, and democracy. From the early days of digital campaigning to a decade at Facebook navigating elections around the world, Katie has witnessed some of the biggest shifts in modern politics firsthand. Her new book, "Disrupting Politics," offers an insider’s perspective on what changed, what went wrong, and what we can learn. Join Katie and panelists Lisa Poggiali, PhD (IFES), Saurabh Shukla (NewsMobile), and David Lopez (Google) for a timely conversation on the future of technology and democracy, followed by drinks and networking. 📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20 | 5:00–7:00 PM 📍 Washington, DC If you work at the intersection of technology, public policy, elections, or democracy, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🔗 Registration link in comments.

The challenges facing elections are global. So is the community working to address these challenges. This week, election leaders and experts from around the world are gathered in Mexico City for the 2026 Summit on Resilience, Cooperation and Integrity for Elections in the 21st Century. IFES’ Fernanda Buril (pictured, second from right) joined the conversation on how elections are adapting to changing contexts and the regional challenges confronting electoral institutions. Today, IFES President @TonyBanbury takes the stage to discuss “Reimagining Electoral Cooperation in the 21st Century.” In Tony's words: “The challenges facing elections may be global, but so is the community of people committed to protecting them.” Tony will also participate in today’s closing ceremony -- and that will be online! Tune in. Link in comments. ⤵️ A tremendous “thank you” to the International Affairs Unit (CAI) of @INEMexico for organizing this important convening.

Freedom begins with a choice. The choice to speak. To participate. To be heard. And to have a genuine say in who governs and what your future will look like. On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate the power of people everywhere to shape their own futures. At IFES, our work starts with that choice. That means we support elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive. It means we work every day to strengthen the institutions, technology and expertise that make those elections possible. And it means we address the corruption, intimidation and malign foreign interference that can undermine genuine political choice. When every voice counts, people can influence the decisions that affect their lives. And when people can freely express their choices through credible elections, they can shape their own future. That is the promise of democracy. And it is what IFES works to support every day. #InternationalDayofDemocracy #IDD2026 #Democracy #Elections #Freedom