Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

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

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IDEA Research Spotlight: Dr. Ryan Kennedy

When Competition Becomes Demonization What keeps a democracy researcher up at night? For Dr. Ryan Kennedy, IDEA research expert, it's this: "How competition has quickly turned into mutual…

 Natalie Miller

Spotlight Story: Natalie Miller 

Natalie Miller's journey with IDEA began long before she became a Research expert - it started in an Ohio State classroom. As an undergraduate in Michael Neblo's "Debating Democracy" course, she…

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From Frustration to Motivation: Our 2025 Journey Together

This year has been a defining journey for the Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA). As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to step away from the research and data to…

Michael testifying before congress

Dr. Neblo Testifies Before Congress: Americans Want a Real Conversation, Not Just More Communication 

New survey research from IDEA for the House Subcommittee on Modernization shows that Americans haven’t given up on democracy; they just want it to listen better.   Public trust in Congress…

People Directory

Director of Research; Professor, Political Science
Associate Director
Andrei Baronov and Ratmir Timashev Endowed Chair in Data Analytics
Associate Director of Research