Lecture: Elections and Voting in America

Jennifer Nicoll Victor, Associate Professor of Political Science at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, describes the current state of voting and elections in the U.S.and outlines the most effective actions that citizens can take to protect their voting rights. Drawing on insights from leading political theorists, Professor Victor dispels myths about what democracy is, why it is valuable, and what role voting and elections play in democratic states. Next, she examines the practice of voting, including a consideration of why people choose to vote -- or choose not to, while discussing such questions as: What purpose does voting serve? How can integrity and security be ensured in election administration, while broad suffrage protections are still kept in place? How vulnerable are U.S. voting practices to de-legitimizing threats? Finally, Professor Victor shares steps citizens can take to help ensure free and fair elections in the United States. This is a non-partisan lecture based on state-of-the-art social scientific literature on elections and voting. Please note that the topics covered in this lecture might be updated by the speaker. To register for this program, please scroll down and click on the blue "Register" box. About the Presenter Jennifer Nicoll Victor is Associate Professor of Political Science at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. She studies the U.S. Congress, legislative organization and behavior, social network methods, political parties, campaign finance, and interest groups and lobbying. Her current book project explores the conditions for bipartisan cooperation among members of Congress. She is the co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Political Networks (2017). She is the co-author (with Nils Ringe) of Bridging the Information Gap: Legislative Member Organizations in the United States and the European Union (U. Michigan Press 2013). Professor Victor has published research in the American Journal of Political Science, the British Journal of Political Science, American Politics Research, Party Politics, Interest Groups & Advocacy, P.S.: Political Science and Politics, and elsewhere. She was awarded the George Mason University Teaching Excellence Award in 2019. She is a co-founding contributor to the political science blog “Mischiefs of Faction,”, and has written for the New York Times, Time Magazine, Politico, Gen by Medium, The Conversation, OUP Blog, LSE US Politics blog. She serves on the Board of Directors of the non-partisan, non-profit Center for Responsive Politics, and is a past-president of the National Capital Area Political Science Association. This lecture is made possible in part by George Mason University’s Mason Speakers program Connecting the University with the Community. City of Falls Church 250 The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the formal founding of the United States. This national milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the country's founding, honor its diverse history, and explore how the American story continues to evolve. Communities across the nation, including the City of Falls Church, will host events, programs, and projects to commemorate the occasion and engage people in meaningful conversations about the past, present, and future of the United States. Learn more...