Tabling Debate: How Political Bodies use Rules of Procedure to Stifle Discussions of Controversial Issues

• In Event: Local Politics: Hiding in Plain Sight

Brief Overview

We demonstrate procedural agenda control is widespread at the local level: local officials strategically use tabling (removing items from the agenda) to avoid decisions on high-conflict issues like tax rates, sex education, and Critical Race Theory.

Authors

• Tyler Simko, Princeton University

• Mirya R Holman, University of Houston