Course Description
In-depth look at various proposals to reform or change the way we run elections. Topics covered will include electronic and internet voting, voter registration and identification laws, and the "Democracy Index," as well as more fundamental changes, such as mandatory voting and proportional representations systems.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate law students will be required to demonstrate mastery
of the material through an applied project not required of the
Juris Doctor students. Graduate law students are primarily
international lawyers seeking expertise in the American legal
system. This expertise is gained through exposure to Juris
Doctor courses in which they will be required to perform more
extensive reading and research.
Athena Title
Election Law Reform Issues
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To familiarize the students with current issues in election reform and encourage them to think critically about representation, democracy, and reform proposals.
Topical Outline
Topics covered will include: 1. Competing theories of representation in democratic regimes 2. Current problems and debates about election regulations and structures 3. Reform proposals, including electronic and internet voting, voter registration and qualifications, restrictions on voting participation, structural alternatives, such as proportional representation and increased (or decreased) decentralization