PORTLAND, Ore. - Coming off a contentious election in 2020, the United States feels, to some, as divided as it has been in recent memory. But organizations want to bridge the gap through conversation.

America Talks, a two-day event talking place this weekend, kicks off the National Week of Conversation. America Talks will pair people up via video so that they can discuss their differences.

One Portland-based organization participating in the event, Crossing Party Lines, has been connecting folks since 2016. The group's co-founder and executive director Lisa Swallow said these conversations can break down barriers in eye-opening ways.

"We get a lot of people reporting back things like they're less anxious than they used to be because they see that the other side doesn't have it out to get them, is not trying to destroy the country," said Swallow. "We see them really getting a sense of connection."

Swallow said it's important for people to feel comfortable in these situations and believes creating community is as important as facilitating dialogue. The goal of the America Talks is to connect at least 20,000 people in at least 10,000 conversations.

Carol Hottle is a volunteer with Crossing Party Lines who describes herself as a moderate Democrat.

She said the first conversation she had in the group was about the Electoral College. Before she started talking, Hottle began to wonder how much she knew about the subject.

What she knows now is that in these conversations, people have to rely on their feelings, experiences and personal knowledge.

"As you stay real and as you stay accessible through being real, then you give other people an opportunity to connect with you, whether or not they agree," said Hottle. "They can ask you questions, you can ask them questions, you can agree to disagree, but you both leave with respect."

Butch Sisavic has been participating with Crossing Party Lines over the past year and described himself as a libertarian with conservative leanings.

He said there are advantages to the organization going virtual during the pandemic - it allows people from all over the country and world to participate.

With political conversations becoming increasingly toxic, Sisavic said he has felt more isolated, but groups like Crossing Party Lines give him hope for the future.

"We have to move forward and the way to move forward, at least to understand each other's side and take steps, [is to] try to find places in the middle that makes progress," said Sisavic.

America Talks takes place June 12 and 13. The National Week of Conversation is June 14 through 20.

Idaho students are not letting their right to vote with a school ID go down without a fight.

Earlier this month, state lawmakers passed legislation to prohibit the use of student IDs as a valid form of identification when voting.

Matt Gordon, an attorney representing the groups Babe Vote and March for Our Lives Idaho, which filed suit to challenge the law, said it is a direct attack on Idaho students' ability to vote.

"When you remove a form of identification that students have and that they can show at the polls for voting, that does make it harder for some students to vote, particularly students for whom that is the only form of acceptable identification that they might have to show at the polls," Gordon contended.

Gordon noted the legislation comes at a time when youth voter registration has surged. An analysis of 2022 compared with 2018 found registration for people ages 18 and 19 in the state jumped 81%, the highest in the nation. Lawmakers who supported the bill said it is needed to counter voter fraud.

However, Gordon noted lawmakers, as well as the Secretary of State, could not cite any cases to support this claim.

"The evidence just isn't there," Gordon argued. "They presented no evidence of any fraud associated with the use of student IDs to vote."

Gordon added the aim is to have this case resolved before the 2024 election, so students understand what kind of identification they need, or need to obtain, to vote next year.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


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There's no rest for Georgia's voting rights groups in this non-election year, though another slew of voting restrictions proposed by a group of Republican legislators is on hold for now.

Advocates are on alert for the possible return of Senate Bill 221 - which would make registering to vote in Georgia even more challenging, ban all ballot drop boxes, and require mandatory audits after every election.

Albany Voter's Coalition Chair Delinda Bryant said recent events have amplified the need for their efforts.

"There is never an off-year," said Bryant. "People are turning 18 every year. I think it needs to start early getting people accustomed, getting used to getting out and exercising their rights. Voting controls your entire life."

Last fall's voting rates already took a hit, after SB 202 went into effect, which Bryant says made voting much less convenient.

SB 202 took away some ballot boxes and allowed individuals to object to voters for any reason. Data from Georgia's Secretary of State shows absentee and mail-in ballot usage in January's run-off was down 36% compared to the general election.

Supporters for additional voting restrictions argue they're needed for additional accuracy, despite the extra roadblocks to access.

Bryant said such challenges disproportionately affect minorities and people with disabilities.

As a result, the coalition intends to intensify its efforts to educate voters and work closely with community influencers to ensure that people are well-informed and ready for the upcoming elections.

"It's more than just getting them registered," said Bryant. "It's getting them educated too and that's what we are targeting this year."

Since the legislative session lasts for two years, SB 221 - and any bill that failed to pass - may be reintroduced next year.

Bryant emphasized that comprehending the legislative process and the long-term potential impact of bills is vital.

She also suggested that voting in local elections also plays a critical role in promoting education and fostering year-round voting initiatives.

Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.



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With fewer than 60 days until the May 16 mayoral primary election, a new survey by AARP Pennsylvania shows what key issues voters over the age of 50 are thinking about.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director of AARP Pennsylvania said Philadelphia's voters over 50 are a historically large voting bloc. In the 2019 primary, 61% voted.

He added that before voters cast their ballots they want to be heard by the candidates.

"They're concerned about safety," said Johnston-Walsh. "They're concerned about the crime rate. They're concerned about housing, and transportation. These are key issues that are impacting them on their day-to-day life. And they need to be able to have the new mayor really focusing on these issues."

Johnston-Walsh said the survey reached 826 voters who reported they disapprove of the job the current mayor and city council are doing.

He noted that AARP has over 300,000 members in Philadelphia and they are reminding them where, when, and how to vote in the upcoming primary.

Johnston-Walsh added that the survey found 52% of Philadelphia voters 50-plus have considered leaving their neighborhood in the past year due to personal security concerns.

"They want to feel safe in their own homes in their communities," said Johnston-Walsh. "They want to be able to go out and enjoy their community without worrying about being attacked or being part of some type of crime problem and that's key right now. Safety is the biggest concern."

He emphasized that Pennsylvania voters polled say due to the inflation rates and the cost of living, the economy isn't working well for them and some say they can't afford to retire yet.

Other important voter issues include lower utility costs, property tax relief, affordable health care, and supportive services, as well as walkable neighborhoods and better transportation options.