The process of selecting presidential party nominees, a critically important mechanism in America's political system, has changed in numerous significant ways over the past two centuries. And, by most accounts, the current system will not endure another election. Indeed, a New York Times editorial on Sept. 2, 2007 described the current process as a "Wild West" approach and called for party leaders to "begin a discussion of reform proposals now."

A parallel and equally significant problem is the profound lack of interest in voting among our nation's youth, a phenomenon that is even more apparent in primary elections and caucuses. The program on February 13 will train a critical eye on the future of presidential nominations as a mechanism to engage young voters and explore innovative models for the nomination process.

The one-day conference, in conjunction with a four-week online course offered via the New York Times Knowledge Network, will explore past, present, and future changes within the presidential nomination process, focusing particular attention on likely reforms that could be in place for the 2012 election.