SEMO Constitution Day Event to Explore Ranked Choice Voting Through Interactive Election

The event will take place Sept. 16 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Ballroom B in the University Center.

Hosted by Dr. Jeremy Walling, professor of political science at SEMO, the interactive event will explore ranked choice voting through a documentary, student-created campaign advertisements and a live election.

Attendees will begin by watching a 30-minute documentary examining Alaska's experience with ranked choice voting. They will then view four campaign advertisements created by SEMO students before participating in a live ranked choice vote, ranking the four candidates in order of preference.

The event will conclude with an analysis of the election results and a comparison of ranked choice voting with other voting methods.

"Ranked choice voting has become a topic of significant discussion across the country, and this event gives students an opportunity to move beyond simply hearing about it and actually experience how it works," Walling said. "By participating in the election and comparing the results with other voting methods, attendees can see firsthand how the way we vote can influence an election's outcome."

"Is Ranked Choice Voting the Big Bad Wolf?" was developed as part of Walling's participation in a cohort through the American Democracy Project focused on designing and implementing civic engagement events.

Constitution Day is observed annually to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. SEMO hosts educational programming each year in recognition of the occasion.

Light snacks will be provided, and attendees will have opportunities to win door prizes.

The event is open to students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

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