Auburn, A.L. – Oct 27 – In the wake of years of controversy over adequate funding of US elections, Auburn University will host a national convening October 26th–28th at its hotel and conference center to highlight innovative funding proposals, one of which will be presented by University of Rhode Island Master of Public Administration (MPA) student Dennis Haggerty.
Haggerty’s proposal, which he developed with support and feedback from URI MPA alumnus and Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State Rob Rock, involves creating a ballot qualification fee program and election administration improvement fund to modernize election administration infrastructure in Rhode Island. According to Haggerty, his solution “will enhance election integrity while expanding funding autonomy.”
MPA Director Aaron Ley highlighted the significance of Haggerty’s participation in the national
competition. According to Ley, “Dennis Haggerty’s participation in this national competition is another example of the national impact our students have on the dialogue over election integrity and administration. It demonstrates how our nationally accredited program brings together talented students, dedicated faculty support, and engaged alumni to create meaningful experiential opportunities that raise the national profile of our program and prepare students for effective public service leadership.”
For three days, the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice, a collaboration of Auburn University and the Election Center (National Association of Election Officials), will highlight innovative funding solution proposals based on a contest challenge that they ran over the summer. The challenge was designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration in developing new approaches to election funding. Entries focused on practical solutions keeping in mind the unique structure and functions of election offices among government departments and agencies.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind event intended to generate practical solutions that will work in today’s charged environment,” said Dr. Mitchell Brown, Curtis O. Liles III Professor of Politics and Director of the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice at Auburn University.
Tom Wilkey, chair of the Election Center board of directors and former executive director of the US Election Assistance Commission, noted about the symposium that “it is cutting edge events like this that set the Election Center apart from other election organizations.”
The conference will feature keynote presentations by Republican and Democrat Secretaries of State, presentations of the top ten submitted proposals, and discussion of other novel ideas. A panel of national experts will rank the presentations, and contest winners will be announced during the symposium.
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To find out more about the symposium, visit www.au-elections.com.