Historian Talks 'One Person, One Vote'

We the People presents ‘One Person, One Vote’ with author and historian J. Douglas Smith, a free lecture and discussion, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front St. in Exeter, according to a press statement.

The talk will be moderated by Jack Herney.

Smith will discuss his latest book, “On Democracy’s Doorstep: The Inside Story of How the Supreme Court Brought ‘One Person, One Vote’ to the United States.”

In the book, Smith explores how activists worked to end unfair apportionment in the 20th century, incurring the wrath of chambers of commerce and southern segregationists as they did so. The battles described in On Democracy’s Doorstep have increasing relevance today after recent Supreme Court decisions on voting rights and campaign finance.

The discussion following Smith’s remarks will be moderated by Herney, emeritus chair of the history department at Phillips Exeter Academy.

Smith’s talk is presented by We the People, a free lecture and film series exploring issues at the intersection of current events, ethics and religion. We the People is co-sponsored by the Congregational, Episcopal, and Unitarian Universalist churches of Exeter, in association with Phillips Exeter Academy and Water Street Bookstore. The talk will be held at the Congregational Church, which is handicapped-accessible. On-site parking is available.

For more information, go to exetercongchurch.org, or call 603-772-4216.