UROP Project

Voter Mobilization; Grassroots Organizations; Voter Suppression; Excluded Voters

Research Mentor: Mr. JoVontae Butts, He/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jlbutts@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Friday, September 6 at 4pm

https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99047959808

Project Description

In the current climate of increasing voter suppression, political ambivalence, and alienation, it is more crucial than ever to develop and implement strategies that effectively engage and mobilize voters. Many individuals are being systematically excluded from democratic participation due to institutional barriers and targeted campaign strategies that focus primarily on likely voters, inadvertently leading to voter suppression. This issue has been exacerbated by the rise in suppressive voting laws following the Shelby County v. Holder decision, which removed key protections that once safeguarded against discriminatory practices in voting.

Given the complexities and demands of modern campaigns, which often prioritize efficiency over inclusivity, relying solely on political candidates and their campaigns to address these challenges poses a significant threat to the health of democracy. This project contends that grassroots organizations play a vital role in filling this gap, as they are uniquely positioned to reach and mobilize the most disengaged and elusive voters—those who are often overlooked by mainstream political strategies.

While much research has been conducted on voter mobilization strategies, there remains a significant gap in the literature specifically focused on how to effectively engage and mobilize these marginalized voting populations. This research aims to address this gap by conducting an ethnographic examination of grassroots organizations that work to enfranchise these voters.

This study will focus on a mid-size city in a republican ran state in the southeast united states, a location where voter suppression tactics are expected to be particularly aggressive during the 2024 election season, given its history and the current political landscape. The research will explore the strategies employed by grassroots organizations to overcome the barriers that hinder voter participation. It will seek to answer critical questions, including: How do organizers address the conditions that most likely prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote? How do they access and engage voting populations that are often disengaged? And how do canvassers help these individuals develop a civic identity?

Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this project will provide a nuanced understanding of the efforts and effectiveness of grassroots mobilization strategies in the post-Shelby County v. Holder era. By focusing on the lived experiences of both organizers and voters, this research will contribute valuable insights into how to ensure a more inclusive and participatory democratic process.

Research Tasks: Data analysis, theme coding, transcription, literature review.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: citation management; transcription; critical reading and analysis; qualitative theme coding using Nvivo; familiarity with excel and microsoft word.