A Citizen’s Guide to Election 2024

The electoral process, voting rights and redistricting have assumed a more controversial position in U.S. politics than at any time since World War II. Working together, they enable the voices of the citizenry to put government in the hands of public officials and legislative representatives who will labor faithfully to fulfill the will of the electorate. In the past two national election cycles, however, the long overlooked vulnerabilities in our national politics have become more apparent and subject to attack. Professor Cooper has had a ringside seat in the election wars in North Carolina as both an expert witness in the ongoing litigation as well as a scholarly observer. In his presentation, he will survey the features of the election process that effectively minimize the prospect of organized and widespread fraud and mismanagement of the election process. He will also discuss the legislative and political strategies which have the effect of determining who votes, where they vote, and for whom they get to vote. Ultimately, the presentation and discussion should leave participants with a better understanding of how our electoral structures amplify and constrain the voice of the people in 2024.