Presented by International Foundation for Electoral Systems

2026 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award

Registration ends Monday, 11/30/2026 5:00pm EST

About This Event

On behalf of the Board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), we are delighted to invite you to our annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award Celebration on Monday, November 30th, at the Patterson Mansion in Washington, DC.

This year, we will honor Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) for his extraordinary record of public service and longstanding commitment to democracy. Congressman Hoyer also served on the IFES Board of Directors for more than a decade, and we are especially pleased to recognize his contributions as he approaches his retirement from Congress. 

We are delighted that Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) will join us in celebrating Congressman Hoyer. We are pleased to welcome both leaders to the stage for a conversation reflecting on their bipartisan efforts in support of freedom around the world.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) advances a world where people are free, societies are democratic, and elections are fair. IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award spotlights extraordinary leaders whose vision, courage, and commitment have strengthened democracy and advanced its promise for all. This prestigious annual event brings together more than 100 influential leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and civil society for an evening of recognition, connection, and meaningful conversation.

Sponsoring the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your personal commitment, or the commitment of your organization, to democracy while engaging with an influential community of leaders and changemakers. Your support will honor international leadership from Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Don Bacon.

We are grateful for your generosity, which advances IFES' vital, nonpartisan work to strengthen elections, democratic institutions, and public trust around the world.

Each sponsorship package purchased includes a full year of founding membership to IFES’ Global Democracy Circle. The Global Democracy Circle is a community of supporters who believe in the mission of IFES to give people the power to choose their own future through free and fair elections. Trusted and strong electoral systems are the foundation on which democracy is built. At each level of support, we offer benefits for you to engage with IFES’ work more deeply.

About This Event

On behalf of the Board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), we are delighted to invite you to our annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award Celebration on Monday, November 30th, at the Patterson Mansion in Washington, DC.

This year, we will honor Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) for his extraordinary record of public service and longstanding commitment to democracy. Congressman Hoyer also served on the IFES Board of Directors for more than a decade, and we are especially pleased to recognize his contributions as he approaches his retirement from Congress. 

We are delighted that Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) will join us in celebrating Congressman Hoyer. We are pleased to welcome both leaders to the stage for a conversation reflecting on their bipartisan efforts in support of freedom around the world.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) advances a world where people are free, societies are democratic, and elections are fair. IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award spotlights extraordinary leaders whose vision, courage, and commitment have strengthened democracy and advanced its promise for all. This prestigious annual event brings together more than 100 influential leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and civil society for an evening of recognition, connection, and meaningful conversation.

Sponsoring the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your personal commitment, or the commitment of your organization, to democracy while engaging with an influential community of leaders and changemakers. Your support will honor international leadership from Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Don Bacon.

We are grateful for your generosity, which advances IFES' vital, nonpartisan work to strengthen elections, democratic institutions, and public trust around the world.

Each sponsorship package purchased includes a full year of founding membership to IFES’ Global Democracy Circle. The Global Democracy Circle is a community of supporters who believe in the mission of IFES to give people the power to choose their own future through free and fair elections. Trusted and strong electoral systems are the foundation on which democracy is built. At each level of support, we offer benefits for you to engage with IFES’ work more deeply.

Getting There

Patterson Mansion
15 Dupont Cir NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
United States

ABOUT IFES

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is a global, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that advances democracy by supporting free and fair elections, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting inclusive political participation. Working in nearly 150 countries since it was founded in 1987, IFES leverages its deep technical expertise and unparalleled experience to strengthen the institutions, systems, and people that make free, fair, credible, inclusive elections possible. Through its work with election commissions, civil society, and other partners, IFES advances the ability of citizens around the world to choose their government and their future through elections they trust.

 

ABOUT CHARLES “CHUCK” MANATT

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) yearly Democracy Award is named in honor of former IFES Board Chair (1993-1999) Charles “Chuck” Manatt. Manatt exercised extensive influence in U.S. politics but is best remembered at IFES for his dedicated, visionary leadership in supporting democracy around the world.

As IFES Board Chair, Manatt supported the expansion of IFES programs across the globe. The Dominican Republic had a special place in his heart, and he dedicated himself to strengthening U.S. cooperation with the Dominican Republic.

Manatt is also remembered for his commitment to mentoring the next generation of "small d" democrats everywhere. Former IFES Chair Peter Kelly observed that Manatt “believed that investing in the next generation of leaders was the right thing to do and devoted his time and resources to make it a reality.”

Kelly also noted that Manatt had “the exceptional ability to work across the aisle in the U.S.” Manatt’s legacy of bipartisan support for freedom in the world lives on today at IFES.