About Us

We are dedicated to a future in which democracy’s aspirations and reality are aligned.

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Mission and Story
Democracy @ UVA
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By the Numbers

The Karsh Institute connects people and ideas across disciplines to strengthen democracy through research, teaching, and public engagement.

Our People

Get to know our leadership and staff, advisory board, and affiliated faculty and fellows.

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Leadership and Staff
Advisory Board
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Melody Barnes

Founding executive director Melody Barnes leads the Institute on an action-oriented path to realizing the promise of democracy in both principle and practice.

Our Work

Learn more about how we are confronting the key challenges to democracy.

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Fellowships
Featured Initiatives
Research
Virginia Local News Ecosystem Study

Three panelists having a conversation on stage at D360

Featured Initiatives

Explore key Karsh Institute projects that study and strengthen democracy, from local journalism to global ideals and civic dialogue.

Events

Explore events hosted and supported by the Karsh Institute.

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Democracy360
Event Series

Democracy360

The Karsh Institute's biennial Democracy360 convenes leaders and citizens to explore bold ideas and shape the future of democracy.

News

Read the latest news and stories from the Karsh Institute.

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Recent

Voters Trust Mail‑In Voting—Even as Supreme Court Weighs Election Day Ballot Rules March 30, 2026
Karsh Institute Event Unpacks Gender and Household Dynamics in the American Revolution March 29, 2026
Who Decides War? From Congress to the Commander in Chief March 23, 2026

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Support the Karsh Institute’s work realizing the promise of democracy.

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Our Building

The Karsh Institute Building

Opening in 2027, the Karsh Institute’s new building will be a hub for research, collaboration, and public engagement around democracy.

Events

Event | April 23, 2026

Taxes

How have debates over taxation shaped American history and its democracy? Vanessa Williamson (Brookings) discusses her new book with Justene Hill Edwards, UVA associate professor of history.

April 23, 2026
UVA's Bond House
600 Brandon Ave., Charlottesville, VA
12:00 pm–1:15 pm

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Karsh Institute of Democracy

600 Brandon Avenue
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

Email: karshinstitute@virginia.edu

Email: karshinstitute@virginia.edu

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