New York, NY, September 22, 2020 — The 2020 presidential election is fast approaching amid a backdrop unlike any other: a pandemic, protests, disastrous acts of nature and students stuck schooling from home. Now, more than ever, we need smooth-running and fair elections to see us through these crises. But how healthy is our democracy? “The hard truth is that the political power of citizens varies widely by state, and the system overall is failing ordinary Americans,” says Elizabeth Rusch, public policy expert and author of You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People. “My mission is to highlight ways for us to work together to shape a more effective democracy, one that reflects the will of the people. I’m convinced that small state-level improvements in our elections could lead to huge leaps forward for our country.” Whether you’re an engaged citizen, educator, parent or student seeking the truth, Rusch paves the way for every citizen to not only understand the flaws in our current democracy but to also fix them. With states making many last-minute adjustments to election rules, Rusch’s book gives an honest view of how our democracy truly functions, who really has the power and why (and how that power impacts politicians and policies) and how we can work together to make our democracy more responsive to the will of the people. You Call This Democracy? offers insightful statewide and national solutions to undemocratic elements plaguing our government, with inspirational examples of citizens already working to make change. International comparisons, extensive sources and resources prompt readers to dig deeper―and take action. Supplementary materials to the book include Rusch’s “50 State Democracy Report Card,” where people can check to see how democracy fares in their state overall and on specific metrics, and how they can strengthen democracy in their state; and a series of short, fun, informative videos on the issues covered in the book, called Flash Course on Democracy. Additionally, discussion guides and debate questions are also available at her website below. Elizabeth Rusch is the author of 20 award-winning books, and more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles. She is also the creator of the “50 State Democracy Report Card” and the video series Flash Course on Democracy. Rusch and her work have been f