The Myth of One Person, One Vote: A Political Economy of Electoral Participation

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Division B, Section 6 poster session 2

Abstract

In our paper, we examine how the myth of “one person, one vote” attempts to normalize an unproven assumption of power equality. We interrogate the myth locally through an analysis of transcribed life histories of current and former Hispanic board members, and former classmates, in a South Texas school district. We include a critical policy analysis that examines how an alternative theory of political economy of electoral participation holds up at the state and federal level. Based on our research, we can assert a ratio of electoral inequality that exceeds 1:2,000 in local school board races, 1:5,000,000 in statewide races, and 1:44,300,000 in federal elections. This research problematizes the myth to support critical approaches that resist standard social studies curricula.

Author

• Michael Christopher Barnes, University of Texas at Austin