Beyond the Ballot: A New Vision for American Democracy

CHARLESTON, SC – May 26, 2026 – In a nation marked by deep political divides and growing disillusionment, a new voice is calling for a radical shift in how Americans approach leadership and social change. Author and educator Doreszell Cohen-Bakam has released her new book, "OUT," which challenges the conventional political framework and advocates for a new generation of leaders to emerge "beyond the ballot."

Published by Palmetto Publishing, the book argues that the current political system is failing and that a fundamental restoration of democracy requires a movement that operates outside the established two-party power structure. Cohen-Bakam, a former political activist, positions her work as a critical examination of a republic she believes is no longer functional, urging citizens to reclaim their power.

The 'Beyond the Ballot' Philosophy

At the heart of Cohen-Bakam's thesis is the concept of "beyond the ballot" leadership. This idea posits that true, transformative change can no longer be achieved solely through voting or traditional political engagement. She frames the perpetual conflict between the Republican and Democratic parties as a "relentless quest for power, control over resources, and dominance" that overshadows the needs of the populace.

After decades of her own activism, Cohen-Bakam stepped away from the political arena, adopting what she calls an "outside looking in" perspective. From this vantage point, she offers a stark critique of contemporary leadership. "There is not one transformational leader who has the same number of loyal followers compared to President Trump," she asserts in her promotional materials. "Therefore, Americans are not currently living in a republic with a functional democracy."

This assertion points to a perceived vacuum in inspirational, unifying leadership capable of mobilizing diverse groups of people toward a common good. While the term "beyond the ballot" appears to be her own, it taps into a broader public sentiment of exhaustion with partisan gridlock. Her analysis suggests that the very structure of modern politics incentivizes division over collaboration, a view that resonates with numerous studies on American political polarization. Reports from institutions like the Pew Research Center and the V-Dem Institute have consistently highlighted deepening partisan divides and a corresponding decline in public trust in government, creating a fertile ground for alternative theories of civic action.

From Activist Burnout to a New Mission

Cohen-Bakam's call for a new paradigm is deeply rooted in her personal history. The press release for "OUT" details a long and arduous journey as a political advocate from 1996 to 2018. Describing the experience as leaving her "physically and mentally drained," her narrative is one of activist burnout—a common but often unspoken consequence for those on the front lines of social and political battles.

Her decision to "exit from all political arenas" was not an act of surrender but a strategic retreat that ultimately fueled a new mission. By stepping away, she was able to analyze the systems she had once worked within from a distance, leading to the insights that form the basis of "OUT." She has since declared herself a "Woman On the Rise (WOR)," reframing her withdrawal not as an end, but as the beginning of a different kind of leadership.

This personal evolution from an embedded activist to an external critic and author shapes the book's tone. It is both a political manifesto and a personal story of disillusionment and rebirth. Her background as a doctoral candidate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Walden University also informs her perspective, lending a focus on leadership dynamics, organizational structures, and the psychological toll of systemic dysfunction.

Confronting Institutional Racism and Democratic Decline

A central pillar of Cohen-Bakam's proposed movement is the goal to "abolish institutional racism (AIR)." She argues that for Americans to "breathe (and live) freely in our democracy," the systemic and often invisible structures of racism must be dismantled. This connects her work to a long tradition of civil rights advocacy, but with a distinct approach.

While established organizations like the NAACP and the ACLU have long fought institutional racism through litigation, policy advocacy, and legislative reform, Cohen-Bakam's "beyond the ballot" approach appears to focus more on cultivating a new type of leader who can inspire change from outside these institutional channels. Her call is less about specific policies and more about a fundamental shift in consciousness and leadership that can, in turn, drive systemic change.

The urgency of this message is underscored by widespread concerns about the health of American democracy. With organizations like Freedom House noting a global trend of "democratic backsliding" that includes challenges within the United States, Cohen-Bakam's critique taps into a real and present anxiety. Her argument that the nation lacks a functional democracy finds an echo in public opinion polls that show historically low levels of trust in political leaders and institutions. "OUT" enters this conversation by questioning whether the existing system is capable of reforming itself, or if the solution must come from an entirely new direction.

The Author and Her Platform

Doreszell Cohen-Bakam is not a newcomer to writing or leadership development. She is the award-winning author of "LINK-UP 2 LIFT-UP: Sorting through Our Culture Kingdom for Our Future Generations" and a passionate educator in Jacksonville, Florida. Her work extends beyond the page through COHEN-BAKAM ENTERPRISES, LLC, which offers leadership coaching and runs programs like the "Pilgrimage to Africa for Natural Healing in Ghana," registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel.

The publication of "OUT" is being handled by Palmetto Publishing, a company that operates as a self-publishing service provider. This model allows authors to retain full creative control and rights to their work, but places the onus of marketing and promotion primarily on the author. This means the success and reach of Cohen-Bakam's message will largely depend on her own efforts to connect with readers and build a community around her ideas.

Through her book, website, and social media presence, Cohen-Bakam is building a platform to challenge readers to reflect on the political landscape and their own role within it. The book itself is a call to action, posing a critical question for its readers: Will Americans rise to reclaim their democracy? As "OUT" makes its way into the public discourse, its impact will be measured by how many people are willing to consider its provocative answer.