Martha Kropf (University of North Carolina, Charlotte) and Representative David Price (D-NC4) discuss “Better Ballot Design” at the 19th Annual Coalition for National Science Funding Exhibition and Reception on Capitol Hill. (Photo credit: Scavone Photography)

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, APSA participated in the 19th Annual Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) Exhibition and Reception on Capitol Hill, showcasing the National Science Foundation funded research of Professors Martha Kropf (University of North Carolina, Charlotte) and David Kimball (University of Missouri, St. Louis) on “Better Ballot Design.”

This research exemplifies the significance and pertinence of political science scholarship for enhancing the democratic process, an area of research specifically removed from NSF funding by the Coburn Amendment (SA 65) to H.R. 933 (Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013). Kropf and Kimball ask whether the format of election ballots—for example, where the instructions are placed on the ballot and whether they are typed in all capital letters, and how much excess information there is around candidate names—influence voting. They find that there are “good” and “bad” ballot features that affect how voters make their choices in the voting booth. These findings are invaluable to local election officials who might use them to make informed decisions about how to improve ballots for their citizens.

“Better Ballot Design” was met with great interest by several members of Congress, including Representatives Price [D- NC 4], Honda [D-CA 17], and Foster [D IL 11]; NSF Acting Director Cora Marrett; and several staffers from both chambers, some of whom work on election reform bills and came specifically to meet Kropf for her expertise on these issues.

In addition to presenting her research, Kropf met with staff in the offices of Representatives Hudson, Hagan, Watt, and Pittenger and Senator Burr from North Carolina.

Additional information and photos from this event can be found at PoliSciNow.com.