What I Recommend This Week

What I am reading, watching, and listening to!

There’s a lot going on in the news right now, with the election a little over a week away. It can feel hard to know where to look when things feel so hectic. So here are some recommendations from me. 

Trump says crime is up, Harris says it is down

Crime is one of this year’s hottest issues, and both presidential candidates say they can handle crime better than the other. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has repeatedly said that violent crime is “through the roof,” while Kamala Harris’s campaign has been adamant that crime rates are down. So who is right?

Could the Supreme Court Decide the Election?

There are only a few days left until one of the most consequential elections in US history, and there’s one question I keep getting asked. Could the Supreme Court end up deciding the outcome of the election? It’s not outside the realm of possibility — and in this article I explain how it could happen. 

What Early Voting Numbers Tell Us

Early voting statistics are rolling in, with many states setting records for how many people cast their ballot on the first day of early voting. I’m here to let you in on a little secret — you should still assume nothing and act accordingly. 

Voting Resources Just For You

The election is right around the corner, and I’ve been getting so many questions from all of you asking where you can find the best voting information. I have the answers for you. 

What I’m Reading…

Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes

By Matthew Brown, The Associated Press 

For 150 years, the US government tried to break up Native American culture, language, and identity by forcing Native children into abusive boarding schools. Over 900 children died at the schools. The AP conducted a closer look at the policy. 

Election officials brace for new threat: Fake 911 calls

By John Sakellariadis, Politico 

Election officials across the U.S. are bracing for a new threat this November: a barrage of bogus bomb threats and sham active shooter alerts meant to sow fear among election workers.

See how people like you vote and how that’s changed over time

By Luis Melgar, Eric Lau, and Lenny Bronner, The Washington Post 

It can be hard to see big demographic shifts in our politics, as presidential elections are often decided at the margins, but since the 2008 presidential election, America’s two major parties have experienced some pretty big changes. The Washington Post examines what those changes are. 

What I am listening to…

The presidents who’ve tried to win back the White House

Presidential 

Library of Congress archivist – and “Presidential” fan favorite – Michelle Krowl talks with host Lillian Cunningham about the long history of American presidents seeking reelection after their tenure has ended, unspooling the stories of the six previous men to try it. Only former president Grover Cleveland was successful, but all of their efforts offer parallels and lessons for today. 

Revenge of the Tipping Point with Malcolm Gladwell

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting

What causes certain ideas to catch fire while others fizzle out? Malcolm Gladwell dives into this mystery, reexamining key themes from his groundbreaking book The Tipping Point. In his latest work, Revenge of the Tipping Point, he looks at how ideas spread today, focusing on issues like Medicare fraud in Miami and the dangers of parents pushing high school students all toward the same goal.

The Gender Election

The Daily

Men under 30 are much more likely to support Donald Trump than women their age. It’s a far bigger gender gap than in older generations. 

Some Conversations I had…

Unsung Americans with Minnesota‘s own Sharon McMahon

MPR News 

This week on Big Books and Bold Ideas, I joined host Kerri Miller to talk about The Small and the Mighty, why history matters more than ever, and how my belief in everyday Americans influencing democracy animates all my work.

Sharon Says So: Utah women seek election facts from 'America's Government Teacher'

KSL TV talks about my book signing at the King’s English Bookstore in Salt Lake City, and what some of you said about my work and the book. 

Empowering Change: Sharon McMahon on Unsung Heroes, Patriotism, and Local Action

I loved talking to Ashley and Sara about The Small and the Mighty, and how individuals can harness their unique strengths to create impactful change, even when the world's problems feel overwhelming.

Get ready for the election… 

The deadline to register has passed for most states, but you should still make sure you have a plan to vote! 

Some things to think about:

• Each state has different ID requirements – you can check yours here

• For those concerned about a language barrier, download Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections in 11 languages and the National Mail Voter Registration Form is available in 21 languages.

• Use your address to find a voter guide for information on your state’s candidates and issues. You can also download a sample ballot. 

  • You can bring these, and your notes, into the voting booth (paper is preferred, sometimes cell phones aren’t allowed). 

• On election day, if the polls close while you are in line — stay in line, you still have the right to vote. 

• If you make a mistake, you are allowed to ask for a new ballot, and if the machines are not working, election workers must give you a paper ballot. 

• If you get to your polling location and your name is not showing up, you can ask for a provisional ballot.