Why Vote?

Daniel M. Shea is Professor of Government at Colby College. He received a MA in Campaign Management from the University of West Florida in 1988, and a doctorate from the University at Albany, State University of New York in 1993.

• Chapter 1: The 2016 Election and Aftermath: Did Donald Trump Break the Mold?Chapter 2: Voting and Elections in Theory: Do We Consent to a System that Limits Our Say in Government?Chapter 3: Give Us the Ballot: Why Has the Right to Vote Been So Contentious?Chapter 4: Turning Out to Vote ... Or Not: Is the Youth Apathy Rap Justified?Chapter 5: Partisanship, 21st-Century Style: Can We Break from the Shelter of Our Tribe?Chapter 6: Realignment Redux: Is There a "Unifying Theory" for Today's Electoral Alignment?Chapter 7: The Nomination Process: Are Party Nomination Contests Too Democratic?Chapter 8: Minor Parties in the United States: Can a Third Party Save our Democracy?Chapter 9: Campaign Finance: Is Too Much Money Really the Problem?Chapter 10: New Media and Russian Interference: Are Objective Assessments Possible in the 21st Century? (With Carlo Macomber)Conclusion: Are There Pathways for Renewal?

"Why Vote? is an impressive book, thoughtfully delivering on its promise to address essential questions about the future of elections in America – as well as to cover the present and past of American elections comprehensively. It is well written and lively; both students and their teachers will find it appealing."Paul A. Beck, Academy Professor of Political Science, The Ohio State University"Shea provides a provocative look at elections and whether they can be reformed to sustain democracy for future generations of American citizens. Offering no quick fix, he encourages students to face current challenges to the electoral process head on as they seek their own solutions."J. Cherie Strachan, Central Michigan University"Shea has assembled a rich, thoughtful and accessible volume that uses both historical and social science perspectives to evaluate recent developments in the US electoral arena. The book is eye-opening and thought-provoking." Costas Panagopoulos, Professor, Department of Political Science; Director, Big Data and Quantitative Methods Initiatives, Northeastern University"In this book, Dan Shea provides a critical and lively assessment of many challenges facing electoral democracy in the United States."David Kimball, University of Missouri–St. Louis"Shea reads like a hybrid between a popular nonfiction book for political junkies and a political science textbook. It takes a conversational tone, approaching the politics and history of elections and voting from a variety of angles, including realignments and critical elections, campaign finance, and low youth participation. Peppered with historical tidbits, such as the corrupt bargain of 1824 and the Pizzagate conspiracy, the book is engaging and thought provoking. It is sure to spark debate, as it raises more questions than answers. Can Americans "overcome our increasingly deep-seated partisanship and visceral fear of the other side?" Should Election Day be a national holiday? Should the US pursue tighter reporting and disclosure requirements in hopes of "ridding the system of ‘dark money’?". . . . Overall, Shea clearly takes a position in favor of voting even while raising questions about the meaning and efficacy of elections that will interest a broad audience. –CHOICE