ESU Political Science Student Presents Research at International Conference
Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on February 23, 2022, No Comments
Annalise Cole, an East Stroudsburg University student in the accelerated political science program from Tobyhanna, Pa., presented her paper “Shelby v. Holder, Minority Voters, and the Ability to Vote” at the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates on February 14. The virtual international conference brings scholars from across the globe (Europe, the Americas, and Africa) to share learned experiences, collected research and philosophical views of global culture.
Utilizing a longitudinal study and comparative analysis, Cole’s research examined Black and Hispanic voter registration and turnout rates from 1986 through 2020 in eight states – Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. The research analyzed data on voter purges, the closing of polling places, and voter ID laws in those states from 2013 through 2021 to determine the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) on the voting rights of Black and Hispanic voters in states previously under preclearance.
The results show that the closing of polling places and restrictive voter ID laws are widely used in states previously under preclearance, and that voter purges are becoming more prevalent. Overall, Shelby County v. Holder and the end of preclearance have had more of a negative impact on Black voter registration and turnout rates than Hispanic voter registration and turnout.
“This research is a part of Annalise’s graduate thesis. She is such a brilliant young woman who will receive both her bachelors and master’s degrees in political science in May,” Said Dr. Kimberly S. Adams, professor of political science. “I am so very proud of her work ethic and determination.” Cole will receive her undergraduate degree and master’s degree during the ESU’s May 7 commencement ceremony. She will have earned both degrees within five years.
Sixty-seven HBCU’s were involved in this year’s NAAAS conference as presenters and panelists; 53 Hispanic serving institutions and roughly 15 international universities participated. Guest speakers included were Ela Gandhi (granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi); Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) and the Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network.
To learn more about ESU’s political science accelerated pathways programs.
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