Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA)

The Foundational Principle of IDEA

We are grounded in a fundamental principle: When citizens and elected officials participate in civil, representative, and focused dialogue, it fosters mutual respect, enhances decision-making, and builds greater faith in the democratic process.

  • 5 Countries Where DTHs Have Been Held
  • 95% Of participants say Deliberative Town Halls are "very valuable for democracy"
  • 11% Avg. Increase in Trust in Participating Elected Official

Recent News

"IDEA fellowship coordinator Adam Duffy and Summer Democracy Fellows Maxwell Kiernan, Elise Britton and Ryan Mahoney walking to their next meeting in DC June 22."

A Day in Washington: IDEA's Summer Democracy Fellows Go Behind the Scenes

This summer, IDEA's inaugural Summer Democracy Fellows are working on Capitol Hill as interns with three Members of Ohio’s delegation, Reps. Sykes, Brown, and Landsman. The purpose of the…

Deliberative State Governance in Brussels

Deliberative State Governance in Brussels

How FIDE-NA and IDEA Are Helping U.S. States Adapt Europe's Playbook for Citizen Engagement

Last month, the Federation for Democratic Innovation–North America (FIDE-NA),…

File case with IDEA logo on it

IDEA Launches First Internal Advisory Board

OSU's investment in IDEA over the last four years has allowed the Institute to grow significantly, expanding our staff and our portfolio of projects. As IDEA prepares for continuing growth, it has…

Ryan_Mahoney_Website image

Fellow Spotlight: Ryan Mahoney

Ryan Mahoney's interest in politics didn't start in a classroom. It started at the dinner table.

His stepfather, who was engaged in public affairs in his own youth, brought political…

People Directory

Director of Research
Director of the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA); Professor of Political Science and (by courtesy) Philosophy, Communication, and Public Policy
Associate Director
Professor, Political Science