Election Law

This course examines the means by which the political process, particularly the conducting of elections, is regulated in the United States. Course topics include: (1) the "right" to vote; (2) election administration; (3) ballot structure; (4) election and electoral process challenges and remedies; (5) political parties; (6) candidate access to the ballot; (7) redistricting; (8) the Voting Rights Act; (9) direct democracy, e.g., initiatives, referenda, and recalls; (10) campaign financing and disclosure requirements; (11) lobbying requirements; (12) electoral crimes, e.g., bribery; and (13) voting systems. Not all topics are covered during a particular course offering. No background in politics, campaigns, political science, or constitutional law is required. Interest in all of the above is, however, expected. The writing assignments for this course will consist of 2-4 papers, each approximately 10 pages in length. Papers will analyze election law issues of contemporary importance. Assignments will be individual and group based. One or more of the papers will be presented in class. There may also be 1-2 non-graded assignments. All assignments must be satisfactorily completed for course credit. FIRST DAY ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students must attend the first class meeting or may be dropped from the course. Students on a waitlist who wish to add the course must attend the first class meeting.