When it comes to elections —​ especially high-stakes elections like the upcoming midterms —​ the numbers matter. From understanding your state's voter registration laws to public opinion polling to just why your vote matters, the University of Delaware's National Agenda 2022 “Politics by the Numbers" will keep you informed. Hosted by UD's Center for Political Communication, the series features journalists, political figures, and influencers in American politics. ​​​

The National Agenda speaker series returns this fall to in-person events​ at Gore Rec​ital Hall, on the main campus of the University of Delaware in Newark.​ Gore Recital Hall is located inside the David and Louise Roselle Center for the Arts on Orchard Road. Convenient event parking is available at the Center for the Arts Garage.​​ 

National Agenda is free and open to the public on select Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. No registration is required. 

September 7 — Summing up the Midterms with UD Alumnus Paul Kane

Paul Kane (AS 92) is a senior congressional correspondent and columnist​ with the Washington Post. He has covered Washington's response to the global pandemic, the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, two impeachments, and now writes about the Biden administration's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.​

September 21 — The Value of Listening with Pearce Godwin, Founder and CEO of the Listen First Project

Described as a national voice for bridging divides in America, Pearce Godwin founded the Listen First Project in 2013. His organization has now built a coalition of more than 400 organizations. The Listen First Project and its partners have hosted thousands of conversations through the annual America Talks and National Week of Conversation, reaching more than 50 million people. 

September 28 — Balancing Art & Politics with Visual Journalists Denise Lu and Taylyr Irvine

Denise Lu ​is a graphics editor at the New York Times, where she uses visual journalism to tell stories. Her interactive maps, charts, and motion graphics unpack complicated concepts while being delightful and engaging at the same time. 

​Taily​r Irvine is a Salish and Kootenai journalist born and raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana. Through her photojournalism, Irvine represents the lives and complex issues within the diverse Native American communities.

October 26 — From the Review to The Atlantic with UD Alumna Nora Kelly Lee

Nora Kelly Lee (AS 12) is a contributing writer at The Atlantic. She previously served as a senior editor on the magazine’s politics desk. Kelly is a proud Blue Hen, but she credits her career to field experience at The Review​​, where she worked as a writer and editor. This year, UD's independent student newspaper celebrates 140 years as a voice for students.

November 9 — Breaking Down the Numbers with ​​John Della Volpe and Jing-Jing Shen

Each spring and fall, Harvard University undergraduate students collaborate with polling director John Della Volpe to conduct the national poll of approximately 2,000 18- to 29-year-olds.

UD welcomes Della Volpe and Jing-Jing Shen, a Harvard University senior who served as the 2021 chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. They will unpack the midterm elections from the perspective of Gen Z voting attitudes and behaviors.​​