Polling Places and Campaign Management

At the Center for Political Participation, our team of four research assistants (Ian Higham, Richard Shafranek, Matt Lacombe, and myself) is working hard on a variety of projects. One of the projects is implementation of a voting booth on Allegheny's campus. The 2008 election showed that long lines can build up at Meadville's three polling locations, causing many to wait hours to cast their vote. The CPP is working with county officials to establish a fourth polling location at Allegheny.

We are also working on updating Campaign Craft, a book coauthored by Allegheny's own Professor Daniel M. Shea. This book is the ultimate authority for those seeking elected office. The new edition will contain updated campaign methods, including new technologies such as social networking sites. This text will serve as an invaluable companion to Meadville community members who desire to pursue a path of public service.

We are also researching the massive mobilization of the "netroots" (online grassroots community) that occurred during the 2008 election. It is interesting to notice that although this group was active primarily at the presidential level, it could certainly prove useful to statewide and even local candidates in the future.