Archive for January 2012

A new article suggests that using e-mail to direct voters to online registration forms may not yield the expected benefit because of the “cost of convenience.” This post looks at that study – and its conclusions about what states and localities can do to use technology to boost participation.

A new story about potential dead voters in South Carolina is likely to set tongues wagging given that state’s pending lawsuit over voter ID. But Loyola’s Justin Levitt thinks we should first let the data finish what it has to say.

A new article by Berkeley’s Phillip Stark and David Wagner proposes a new approach to voting technology – one which could make the increasingly problematic testing and certification process unnecessary in the wake of a new, evidence-based regime.

The Overseas Vote Foundation will be hosting its Sixth Annual Summit on January 27 in Washington, DC – it’s a must-see for anyone interested in military and overseas voting.

New data highlighted in a recent Pew Dispatch suggests that less-populous counties are more likely to have higher per-voter costs simply because they have fewer voters.

New recall cost estimates from Wisconsin’ Government Accountability Board are generating debate in the Badger State about whether such costs are worth it. This is a development that we can expect to see elsewhere in 2012 and beyond.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls….votin’ time’s here! [Cross-posted from the January 5, 2012 electionlineWeekly]

Recent stories from Kentucky and Indiana provide contrasting lessons on the need for strong leadership in elections as states enter the rough seas of a presidential election year.

A Twitter(!) suggestion about presidential primary scheduling offers an opportunity to look more closely at the question of turnout – which itself will get lots of scrutiny this year.

The Department of Justice’s objection to South Carolina’s voter ID requirement brings a long-overdue empirical focus to the issue – but, because of doubts about the data, might not actually settle it just yet. At least now the debate’s on the right track.