Strengthening Democracy in New Hampshire

Strengthening Democracy in New Hampshire

AIL Presents | Available

541 Main Street New London, NH 03257 United States
Clements Hall - Ivey Science Center
10/2/2026 (one day)
10:00 AM-11:30 AM EDT on Fri
$15.00
Member Discount Available

Strengthening Democracy in New Hampshire

AIL Presents | Available

Democracy '26 Series

The 2026 midterm elections provide an ideal opportunity to explore how our democratic system functions, the roles citizens play in the electoral process and what elections results may mean for New Hampshire and the nation. This four-part series brings together respected organizations and experienced presenters to provide a nonpartisan examination of the election process before and after New Hampshire voters head to the polls. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of election integrity, informed civic engagement, and the broader political landscape shaped by the midterm elections.


Session One

Secretary David Scanlan, Ambassador Dick Swett and Representative Charlie Bass will discuss the safe, secure, and transparent electoral system in New Hampshire and the reasons why our system should serve as a benchmark for the democratic process nationwide. They’ll also highlight their work across the state reinforcing why Granite Staters can trust both the process and outcome of New Hampshire’s elections. 


  • Democracy Defense Foundation: The Democracy Defense Foundation was founded on a bipartisan commitment to uphold the transparency, safety, and integrity of our elections. That mission requires us not only to support sound policy, but also to speak out against measures that risk doing more harm than good. 
Bass, Charlie
Charlie Bass

Charles F. Bass served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional district from 1995 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2013. During his 14-year tenure in Congress, Bass served on the Budget, Government Reform and Oversight, Transportation and Infrastructure, Intelligence, and Energy and Commerce Committees. He enjoys a reputation as a substantive and pragmatic legislator who has worked well with both Democrats and Republicans.

As a long-time member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Bass has extensive experience with public policy in such areas as energy, telecommunications, health care, environmental protection, consumer protection, privacy, data security and related issues.

In addition to his service in Congress, Bass served four years in the New Hampshire Senate, and six years as a State Representative. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Congressman David F. Emery from 1976-1979. In addition to his service in government, Bass also has extensive business experience as an entrepreneur.

Scanlan, David
David Scanlan

David Scanlan was sworn in as New Hampshire Secretary of State on January 10, 2022. He previously served as Deputy Secretary of State under William Gardner from 2002-2022.  

Before assuming his role as Deputy Secretary of State for New Hampshire, Scanlan was a Republican member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1984 to 2002 (eight terms), becoming Majority Leader of the House in his final term.

A native of New Jersey, Secretary Scanlan has a Bachelor’s degree in forestry from West Virginia University’s School of Agriculture and Forestry. After graduation, Secretary Scanlan moved to New Hampshire in 1978 to work as a licensed forester in the private sector, and he still maintains a license to practice forestry. He has considered the state his home ever since.

Swett, Richard
Richard Swett

Richard N. Swett was nominated by President Clinton to be Ambassador to Denmark in 1998 where he presented his credential to H.M. Queen Margrethe II. He served in this position until 2001. Her Majesty bestowed the Grand Croix of the Order of the Dannebrog (Danish knighthood) on Ambassador Swett.

Prior to his role as Ambassador to Denmark, Richard Swett represented the 2nd Congressional District of New Hampshire from 1991-1995, serving on the Committees on Public Works and Transportation; Science, Space and Technology; the U.S. Congressional Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament and the Congressional Human Rights Caucus.

Ambassador Swett’s business experience encompasses architectural design, project management, corporate management, project development, and finance. He has developed and financed Independent Clean Power plants in the Northeast, as well as consulted on energy technology projects and assisted with financing in the Eastern and Central European countries of Romania, Turkey, and Hungary. He has been a licensed architect in the states of California and New Hampshire and currently is the CEO and co-founder of Climate PROSPERITY Enterprise Solutions, LLC, a project development firm using proprietary software methodology to model and build integrated Sustainable Solar Communities in emerging markets in Africa and the USA by combining architecture, energy, and enterprise economics.

Ambassador Swett holds positions on numerous corporate boards including the position of Co-Chair of the New Hampshire Special Committee on Voter Confidence, appointed by Secretary of State Scanlan to report on the public’s concerns about voting practices.