Center for Inclusive Democracy

Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) is a nonpartisan research center serving the U.S. Founded and directed by Dr. Mindy S. Romero, CID conducts a range of national and multi-state research initiatives exploring voting behavior, civic engagement, electoral and economic research, and more. Inclusive civic and political participation is critical in addressing disparities in social and economic well-being, and can improve health, education and employment outcomes.

CID is a go-to source for electoral and civic engagement research, including the examination of nationally relevant election reforms such as automatic voter registration, online voter registration and vote centers. Legislators, public agencies, advocates, researchers, media (state and national) and community leaders use pioneering research to better understand disparities and opportunities in civic participation by place and population.

The following describes each of these 3 bodies of work:

OUR Mission

CID’s mission is to improve the social and economic quality of life in U.S. communities by producing non-partisan, data-driven research that informs policy and on-the-ground organizing efforts through education and outreach for a more engaged, transparent and representative democracy. 

OUR GOALS

CID conducts a range of national and multi-state research initiatives exploring voting behavior, civic engagement, electoral and economic research, and more. CID research is intended to inform and empower a wide range of policy and organizing efforts, supporting well-being throughout the nation.

Why is CID important?

Inclusive civic engagement is critical in addressing disparities in social and economic well-being, and can improve health, education and employment outcomes. CID research also helps explore non-traditional measures of civic engagement, particularly among groups historically underrepresented in our civic and political institutions.

1.      Independent Democracy Research: The Now and the “What’s Next”

CID is expanding its ability to conduct independent, applied research designed to create a better understanding of the urgent challenges and opportunities for greater engagement and representation in U.S. democracy. Through consultation with local, state and national stakeholders, CID will also seek to identify “what’s next” in the field of engagement, exploring critical overarching questions related to how our nation moves beyond its current democracy crisis.

2.       Educational Outreach Program: Translating Research to Inform and Empower

We are extending our educational reach and impact by creating dedicated outreach and communications programs designed to inform state and community-level engagement efforts, as well as policymaking conversations. This work includes outreach to (and often partnership with) four main audiences: 1) Nonpartisan statewide, regional and community-based organizations, 2) Local elected decisionmakers, 3) State legislative staff/members and 4) Media (traditional and new).

3.      Direct Support of Community Engagement Efforts: The Power of Community-Level Engagement Data

Throughout our history, we have regularly supported nonpartisan civic engagement groups and worked with local decision-making bodies to help facilitate positive change in their communities through the power of data. Typically, this work involves customized data presentations, trainings and consultations to both statewide and local stakeholder groups. Beginning in 2026, CID will expand and more widely promote and proactively offer our expertise and research to support such groups and organizations. 

Want to learn more about CID?

Access our CID publications, learn about CID’s National Advisory Board, or review the extensive coverage of CID’s work in the media. For questions, contact Director Mindy Romero at mindyromero@cidus.org