In this episode, we discuss the historical context and reasons that produced the Electoral College system. We highlight the indirect nature of this vote and detail the criticism of this system and why many Americans favor replacing it with a popular vote system. 

In this episode, we dissect the mechanics of the Electoral College. We discuss the indirect nature of the process of electing the president, explain how states allocate electoral votes based on congressional representation and delve into discrepancies in Senate power and its impact on democratic representation. We also highlight the complexities of popular vote versus electoral vote outcomes and the importance of understanding the Electoral College's nuances for American democracy. 

We interview long-time director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, David Paleologos. We learn about explain what polling is, what makes polls scientific, and how to interpret the polling data; we also explain some of the current challenges to relying on poll results in the upcoming elections. 

We delve into into the intricacies of election forecasting and the unique dynamics shaping the 2024 presidential race. How accurate are these predictions? Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb break down varying approaches to election forecasting, and examine the factors that influence these forecasts, from economic indicators, polling data, to the impact of presidential approval ratings to the complexity of partisan politics.

Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb discuss the relationship between journalism and democracy. They explain how the decline of local newspapers is posing challenges to voters, and how the lack of local coverage influences politicians. The hosts delve into the significant challenges in places that are termed “News Desert” and how new business models of journalism can offer solutions. 

A bi-partisan team of former members of Congress visit hosts Rachael Cobb and Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, part of the Congress to Campus program. Former members of Congress Fred Upton, (R-MI, 1987-2023) and Jim Hoeffel (D-PA, 1999-2005) come to Studio 73 and discuss bi-partisanship, public discourse, social media and answer student questions. Thank you to our wonderful guests! 

Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb discuss Voter ID laws. They explain the different types of identification requirements across states, ranging from non-strict to strict, and how these laws have evolved since the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. The hosts delve into the political motivations behind Voter ID laws and the debate surrounding their impact on voter turnout, particularly among minority groups. 

In this episode of we trace the historical evolution of voting methods from physical tokens to printed ballots, highlighting the transition to government-printed ballots and the eventual adoption of the secret ballot system. The discussion then shifts to the emergence of voting by mail and variations in absentee voting laws across states, including no-excuse absentee voting and the implementation of all-mail voting in some states.

Hosts Rachael Cobb and Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber delve into the intricacies of voter registration in the United States.

They explore the historical context of voter disenfranchisement and the subsequent amendments that aimed to expand access to the ballot box. From the Civil War era to the Civil Rights Movement, they trace the evolution of voter registration laws and the ongoing struggle for universal suffrage.

Discussing the concept of franchise and the absence of an affirmative right to vote in the Constitution, they highlight the importance of voter registration in exercising citizenship.

Through an examination of state-level registration requirements and recent legislative efforts like Automatic Voter Registration, Cobb and Madmoni-Gerber provide listeners with valuable insights into the voter registration process. With an emphasis on empowerment and participation, Election Connection equips listeners with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in the democratic process.

We ask why we have primary elections and we consider the role parties play. In this episode, we explore the origins and purpose of political parties in American politics, shedding light on their role in candidate selection and the electoral process.

Discover why primaries and caucuses are crucial steps in the nomination process, and how they differ in execution and participation. Learn about the historical context behind the rise of primaries and how they operate today.