In the season finale of Democracy Is, we dive into the growing movement to lower the voting age to 16.

From the historical evolution of voting rights in the U.S. to examples from around the world, we explore the research, arguments, and political realities shaping this debate.

Hear from Vote16USA’s LaJuan Allen and members of the Vote16 Culver City campaign about their work, the challenges of implementation, and why this could be the next frontier in voting rights.

What happens when an entire generation grows up with the internet at their fingertips? In this episode of Democracy Is, host Alexandra Leal explores how Gen Z, the first digitally native generation, is transforming our political landscape. From voting trends and activism to social media-fueled organizing, Gen Z is reshaping what civic engagement looks like in real time.

Join us as we explore the values, motivations, and impact of this powerful generation, featuring insights from experts and youth leaders, including Sara Guillermo from IGNITE National and Tiana Day from Youth Advocates for Change. We’ll also highlight how California Common Cause is empowering young people to make their voices heard through free programs and paid internships.

Whether you're Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or just Gen-curious, this episode is for you.

Dive into the intricate web of challenges facing San Francisco's local news landscape in this episode. From the decline of traditional advertising revenue to the dominance of social media platforms, we explore the obstacles hindering the viability of local journalism.

Hear firsthand accounts from publishers, city officials, and community advocates as they discuss the bureaucratic hurdles in city advertising contracts and the struggle to maintain editorial independence.

Explore innovative solutions, such as the California Local News Fellowship and the National Trust for Local News, which offer hope for the future of independent reporting.

Join us as we unravel the complexities and seek solutions to revitalize local news in the vibrant city of San Francisco.