Dr. Mindy Romero
Dr. Mindy Romero is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. A political sociologist with a Ph.D. from UC Davis, her research focuses on political behavior and voter underrepresentation among youth and communities of color. Romero’s work has been featured in The New York Times and Washington Post, and she regularly contributes to CalMatters and Sacramento Bee. She was named a 2023 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and collaborates with policymakers to strengthen civic participation.
Dr. Mindy Romero’s presentation focused on improving voter engagement for the 2024 election, particularly among underrepresented groups like voters of color and young voters. She highlighted key barriers to voting, including low registration rates, insufficient outreach, and a sense of disconnection from politics. CID research shows that many voters are unaware of voting options, and messaging emphasizing community empowerment and voting safety was especially effective. Dr. Romero recommended more targeted outreach, thoughtful messaging, and clearer voter information to help increase turnout and ensure that all groups feel included in the political process.
