Department of Political Science

In this conversation, Associate Professor of political science and Adjunct Professor of law, societies Megan Ming Francis talks about mentorship, understanding the immense structures that shape our democracy and lives, asking important questions of our institutions and ourselves with the intention of making both better.

“The concept of ‘pay equity’ doesn’t just demand equal pay for women doing the same work as men, in the same positions. Such efforts, while worthwhile, ignore the role of occupational segregation in keeping women’s pay down: There are some jobs done mostly by women and others that are still largely the province of men. The latter are typically better paid,” writes Anna Louie Sussman. Michael McCann, professor of political science at the UW, is referenced.

Washington Republicans woke up after Election Day to a crushingly familiar math problem bedeviling their prospects in statewide races: a cratering of support in King County. The UW’s Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science, and Margaret O’Mara, professor of history, are quoted.

Christopher Parker, associate professor of social justice and political science, explains the role of race in the 2020 election in a UW panel on the topic.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, talks about polarization in the 2020 race, the role of social media, how the results differed from expectations and what the election means for climate change.

According to a NBC News exit poll, not only did 91% of Black women vote for presidential nominee Joe Biden, Black women are behind a massive effort to ensure all people have access to vote. As Biden slid past President Donald Trump in Georgia, social media went crazy with mentions of Stacey Abrams. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

According to a NBC News exit poll, not only did 91% of Black women vote for presidential nominee Joe Biden, Black women are behind a massive effort to ensure all people have access to vote. As Biden slid past President Donald Trump in Georgia, social media went crazy with mentions of Stacey Abrams. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Associate professor of political science Christopher Parker discusses the current political state of the United States.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, explains what challenges Biden faces in his path to the presidency.

Environmental groups have become some of the biggest spenders in U.S. politics this election. Washington is no exception. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

The final days of campaign season come just as coronavirus infection rates rise, something that likely wouldn’t have a big impact on results in Washington with voters using an established mail-in system. In other states, it’s been a scramble to redesign voting systems and change voting behavior. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

There’s been a massive surge of voting, with less than 48 hours until Election Day. Right now, 72% percent of King County ballots are already in. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

See all that's going on during UW Global Month, take part in conversations surrounding the aftermath of the 2020 election, and more.

“2020: The Course” gives students an opportunity to hear from UW professors and special guests who will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, race in the United States, the state of the environment, the economic recession, civic participation, citizenship and this election season and outcomes.

It’s not even Election Day, but Washington voters want their voices heard. On Thursday, the Washington Secretary of State’s office announced that 60.8% of ballots have been received. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.