Published by American CompassCommonplace

A magazine about what matters in America

Issue Two · October 2026

Elections

What should American elections look like?

Features

IAn American CityWhat Springfield, Ohio, reveals about immigration and the American Dream.Amber LappIIEmbracing InterdependenceThe 2026 Women’s Convention in Western New York shows that history doesn’t repeat, but it does rhyme.Evie SolheimIIICognizant CrackdownThe illegal abuse of the H-1B visa program is finally facing accountability.Chris ChmielenskiIVA Matter of SurvivalHow the nation’s largest volunteer fire department endures.Jason Mangone

In-Focus: Elections

VCalling Elections Rigged Is Bad Politics and Worse CivicsThe habit that’s killing confidence in elections—and the party that keeps picking it up.Alex Tarascio and David KochelVIConfidence, Not Faith, in the Ballot BoxAn election system should provide something that transcends disagreements: a process that can be examined.Trey TrainorVIIVoting the American WayThere’s a reason our system of elections has endured for so long.Michael Brendan DoughertyVIIIAmerica’s Ever-Present Election DenialA look back at ‘Big Lies’ past provides perspective ahead of the midterms.Drew Holden

Commentary

IXKeep AI OpenAntitrust law can help preserve a competitive marketplace for artificial intelligence.Gail SlaterXNot by Bread Alone, Mr. PresidentWhy Trump’s promise of $5,000 payouts landed so badly.Chris GriswoldXIThe Gen Z Blue-Collar Jobs BoomA new generational opportunity is taking shape in the skilled trades.Skyler AdletaXIIClaude Is Not Your FriendIn an atomized world, even the best uses of AI tools present profound and dangerous temptation.Brad LittlejohnXIIILiberty and Justice for NoneOnly a reclaimed citizenship can save us from political exhaustion.Oren Cass

Podcasts

XIVThe Fraud-Suppression Industrial Complex with Ben GinsbergCan we restore confidence in America's election systems?

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