ACLU Trivia Night – Columbus, OH
I will never forget a college student named Matt who worked with me part-time shortly before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. One day, just for fun, I asked him if he could name the five states that border Ohio. He looked at me and said, "Are you trying to make me look stupid?"
I replied, "Not at all. I'm just testing your knowledge and thought it would be fun to play a little trivia."
He relaxed and then asked, "Is Michigan one of the states?"
I smiled and said, "You're right, buddy!"
Matt later told me that he had never been outside Ohio. I was truly saddened.
Nevertheless, most Americans value staying informed. However, keeping up with the news, elections, and current events can be more time-consuming and exhausting than ever. Even so, many Americans still believe that staying informed is an important part of their civic duty.
There is just one problem: according to a new Pew Research Center survey, a significant portion of Americans do not practice what they preach. While many people say it is important to stay informed, far fewer consider themselves "highly informed" about any given topic. For those looking to become more engaged, one organization worth exploring is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
For those who may not be familiar with it, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded on January 19, 1920, in New York City. The organization was established in response to widespread civil liberties violations during and after World War I, particularly during the Red Scare, when the U.S. government conducted the Palmer Raids targeting radicals, socialists, labor organizers, and pacifists without regard for constitutional protections.
The ACLU emerged from the National Civil Liberties Bureau (NCLB), which had been created to provide legal assistance to conscientious objectors and individuals prosecuted under wartime laws.
This year, the ACLU of Ohio is organizing an in-person fundraising and educational event described as "Every Vote Counts! Trivia Night – Columbus."
Here are the key details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Wolf's Ridge Brewing
- Admission: $25 per person
- Ticket deadline: October 19, 2026 (advance purchase required)
The event includes:
- Voting-rights-themed trivia
- Light refreshments
- An exclusive ACLU souvenir item
Purpose of the event:
- To raise support for voting rights.
- To provide attendees with a fun opportunity to learn about elections, democracy, and civic participation.
The ACLU says the event reflects its vision of an Ohio where:
- Every eligible person can participate in democracy.
- Every vote counts.
- Every voice matters.
- Fair representation is the norm.
The Columbus Trivia Night is part of a statewide series of "Every Vote Counts!" events scheduled in multiple Ohio cities during 2026, including Lakewood, Dayton, and Medina.
Those interested in attending can find additional information and register through the ACLU of Ohio's events page. ACLU of Ohio Events
Caption for bottom photo: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Logo. Image credit: logos.world.net
Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes about U.S. foreign policy, Middle Eastern affairs, and justice.
