With voters across the country gearing up to participate in the upcoming November midterm elections, the integrity and defense of voting infrastructure have become central topics of public attention. In upstate New York, community members will have an opportunity to hear directly from state administrators about the complex safeguards protecting the electoral process.
The George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum is addressing these vital questions as it inaugurates its 15th season of public programming. The speaker series is scheduled to launch with a comprehensive exploration of the systems designed to defend voting procedures, uncover emerging vulnerabilities, and reinforce civic trust in democratic institutions.
The opening session, titled "Protecting Your Ballot: Election Security Ahead of the 2026 Midterms," will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event will be hosted at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, located at 20 Fort Hill Ave. in Canandaigua.
The presentation aims to give attendees an inside look at the technical and administrative operations required to run safe elections. Key topics will encompass how potential threats to election apparatuses are actively tracked, the technical countermeasures deployed across jurisdictions, and the public policies established to preserve voter confidence leading up to the midterms.
To lead the dialogue, the forum has invited two key administrators from the New York State Board of Elections. Panelist Ben Spear serves as the state board’s chief information security officer, bringing extensive practical expertise in shielding digital and physical election infrastructure at both state and nationwide tiers.
Joining Spear is Kathleen McGrath, the director of public information for the state Board of Elections. In her capacity as the agency’s chief communications officer and primary spokesperson, McGrath oversees comprehensive informational outreach encompassing voter education initiatives, election administration logistics, cybersecurity transparency, and campaign finance reporting.
The discussion will be guided by veteran broadcaster Evan Dawson, who is widely known as the host of the program *Connections* on WXXI. Dawson will moderate the conversation, facilitating insights from both state representatives on how election officials work to ensure fair and accurate outcomes.
The opening program reflects the longstanding mission of the George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum. The non-profit organization focuses on enriching the civic and cultural environment of the Finger Lakes region by convening influential thought leaders and encouraging informed community dialogue on pivotal matters facing modern society.
Following the September election security event, the forum's 15th season will continue with three additional presentations that address prominent issues in modern healthcare, international cybersecurity, and the entertainment industry.
The second presentation of the season, "Facing Parkinson's: New Science, New Strategies, Real Lives," is scheduled for Oct. 11. The session will feature presentations by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Sarah Whittingham, who will delve into current research breakthroughs while reflecting on the everyday realities of patients and families navigating the neurological condition.
The October medical panel will be moderated by Maggie Kuhl, representing the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The discussion will highlight the ongoing intersection between emerging clinical research methodologies and the practical support required for those living with Parkinson's disease.
The speaker series will resume early next year with "Defending the Digital Frontier: Understanding Today's Cyber Risks and Tomorrow's Solutions" on March 7, 2027. The guest speaker for the event is Gen. Tim Haugh, who formerly served as the director of the National Security Agency and commander of U.S. Cyber Command.
Gen. Haugh’s analysis of contemporary cyber threats and defense strategies will be moderated by Canandaigua native Michael O'Hanlon, a senior scholar at the Brookings Institution. Together, they will assess both current digital vulnerabilities and the technological advancements required to counter future digital challenges.
The season will conclude on April 18, 2027, with "Scenes from a Storied Career: An Entertaining Conversation with Tom Fontana." The Buffalo-born playwright, writer, and producer is an Emmy Award winner recognized for his influential contributions to acclaimed television series such as *St. Elsewhere*, *Homicide: Life on the Street*, and *Oz*.
Fontana's retrospective on American television and theater will be moderated by author and journalist Michael Winship, who is also a Canandaigua native. Winship will lead the discussion through Fontana’s decades-long writing and production career in the arts.
All four presentations during the 2026–2027 season will be staged at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center at 20 Fort Hill Ave. in Canandaigua. Admission tickets are priced at $30 per presentation and may be purchased online via the official website at gmeforum.org or through the venue box office by calling 585-412-6043.
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