August 29, 2024
MCLA will host the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day with a special presentation
for students and community members later this month. Joining other colleges and universities
across the country, the federal holiday was established in 2004 and first celebrated
in 2005, recognizing the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, in
Philadelphia, PA.
The presentation, “Understanding the Electoral College: Insights into 2024's Presidential
Election,” will be led by MCLA Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Samantha
Pettey on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in Murdock Hall Room 218. The lecture is free
and open to the public.
Dr. Pettey will explore the historical origins and current controversies of the Electoral
College, including the disparity between the popular vote and electoral outcomes,
and the influence of swing states. It will also cover best practices for interpreting
polling data to help students and attendees critically analyze 'hot-take' headlines.
A Q & A session addressing these topics and others will follow the presentation. This
lecture is designed to empower students of democracy with the knowledge to understand
and influence our elections.
“Polling can be tricky to interpret responsibly, especially in the context of the
Electoral College,” Dr. Pettey said. “The lecture will focus on some tips for reading
and interpreting electoral news with polls and will allow time for questions about
the broader election.”
Originally from southeastern Massachusetts, Dr. Pettey has been interested in politics
since a young age and has worked in the History and Political Science Department at
MCLA since Fall 2016. Dr. Pettey teaches a range of courses on American government
but is most passionate about teaching and researching Congress, state and local politics
and women in politics.
Dr. Pettey’s current research focuses broadly on female candidates. She is particularly
interested in the impact institutional features and demographic characteristics have
on state-level candidate emergence and success. Click here to listen to Dr. Pettey’s
latest research on the NPR Academic Minute.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive
years, ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The
College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is
reflected in its inclusion on U.S. News' list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for
Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; MCLA is No. 1
in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell
Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
