‘It Matters! Midterm Madness’ to bring generations together for election dialogue at Sonoma State
As the November midterm elections draw near, Sonoma State University is inviting students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to examine the contours of a shifting political landscape. The cross-campus conversation will explore the implications of ballot issues while encouraging an exchange of nonpartisan perspectives across generations.
“It Matters! Midterm Madness,” scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, aims to help participants make informed voting decisions, find common ground, and foster unity amid differing political viewpoints.
The event features a joint lecture, “Unrivaled & Unparalleled: 2026 Midterms” by Sonoma State faculty members David McCuan and Samuel Cohen. McCuan brings expertise in campaigns, electoral politics, and political behavior, while Cohen offers a historical lens on political divisions, authority, and the forces shaping societies over time.
A reception with light refreshments begins at noon in the Stevenson Hall lobby, followed by the lecture from 1 to 3 p.m. in Stevenson Hall, Room 1400. Registration is not required.
The dialogue is already taking shape in “The Mother of All Midterms: The Game-Changing American Elections of 2026,” an intergenerational course taught by McCuan that places undergraduates and lifelong learners in a shared classroom.
Launched Oct. 6 and continuing through Nov. 10, the six-week interactive course has reached capacity, with 24 POLS 484 students and 102 members of Sonoma State's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) enrolled.
Meeting Tuesdays from 10 to 11:50 a.m. in Stevenson Hall Room 1300, participants examine a different election-related topic each week while exploring how political beliefs develop and evolve. The collaborative format encourages students and older adults to exchange experiences, challenge assumptions, and consider outlooks shaped by generational differences.
For undergraduates, the course offers an opportunity to learn from people whose political experiences span decades. OLLI members, in turn, gain insight into how younger voters interpret today's political climate and the issues influencing their futures.
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the curriculum places November’s midterms within a broader conversation about American democracy, free and fair elections, and civic participation.
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Sonoma County, “It Matters! Midterm Madness” is co-sponsored by Sonoma State's Department of History and Politics, Center for Community Engagement, College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, and OLLI.