Impact of (Non-political) Life Events on Voter Registration

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

The papers on this proposed panel examine the impact of (largely) non-political life events on voter registration. Scholars have established that voter registration requirements impact who is eligible to cast a ballot and who actually casts a ballot, but these papers dig into the details of the voter registration process – including new reforms like automatic voter registration and online voter registration – to understand how life events from mundane (moving residences) or trivial (celebrity communication) to dramatic (school shootings) can significantly influence whether citizens get and remain registered to vote.

Sub Unit

• DIVISION 36: Elections and Voting Behavior

Individual Presentations

• Movers and Shakers, Also Voters: Do Automated Address Updates Increase Turnout? - Ellen Seljan, Lewis & Clark College; Paul Gronke, Reed College

• Beyonce-Taylor Swift Effect? Impact of Online Voter Registration on Voting - Christopher B. Mann, Skidmore College; Thessalia Merivaki, Mississippi State University

• Voter Registration after Parkland and Early Voting on College Campuses - Enrijeta Shino, University of Florida

• Voter List Maintenance and Youth Turnout - Daniel A. Smith, University of Florida; Anna Baringer

Chair

• Lisa A. Bryant California State University, Fresno

Discussants

• Jan E. Leighley American University

• Lisa A. Bryant California State University, Fresno