STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

David Domke, co-founder of Common Purpose, will return to Ketchum on Friday, Sept. 20.

This time he will offer a free lecture on the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the nation’s long-flawed approach to voting, the status of voting rights today, the history and current state of voter suppression and what citizens can do to protect the nation’s democracy.

The reality is that some sectors of political power in America have always made it difficult for certain populations to vote, said Domke.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at The Boho Lounge. It will be followed by light snacks and drinks on the Boho Lounge rooftop deck.

Domke left his position as chair of University of Washington’s Department of Communication where he had been honored as Washington State Professor of the Year to work with Common Purpose. Common Purpose is a bipartisan organization that mobilizes voters, develops young leaders and builds community regarding key issues around the country.

Domke said during a presentation at Ketchum’s Community Library in August that America’s democracy hangs by a fragile thread.

“My kids are not going to grow up in the United States of America that we’ve known,” he added.

 The Boho Lounge is located at 131 Washington Avenue in Ketchum in the former Globus Restaurant.