Campaign and Election Reform: A Reference Handbook (Contemporary World Issues)

In a single volume, Campaign and Election Reform gathers a wealth of information about past and present attempts to reform the electoral process. The authors discuss such political circumstances as party corruption, which led to the rise of reform movements, and excessive campaign donations, which resulted in campaign finance legislation. Emphasis is placed on the various explanations for continued low voter turnout rates and suggested changes in the electoral system that may increase citizen participation.

Topics include development of the secret ballot; the electoral college and the 12th amendment; progressive era reforms; discrimination; gerrymandering; term limits; ballot format reform; and unintended consequences of reform. The book is packed with facts and data from voting studies and includes excerpts from legislation and court cases, and the varied opinions of political researchers and activists.

Glenn H. Utter is professor of political science and chair of the Department of Political Science at Lamar University, Beaumont, TX.

Ruth Ann Strickland is associate professor of political science and criminal justice at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.