Wisconsin Law Review’s 2024 Symposium
The Wisconsin Law Review presents, Sept. 20, 2024: The 2024 Wisconsin Law Review SymposiumThe one-day symposium was hosted by Dean Dan Tokaji, University of Wisconsin Law School, and Professors Miriam Seifter and Rob Yablon of the State Democracy Research Initiative, featuring nationally-renowned constitutional and election law scholars. The symposium focused on the dynamics between election…
The one-day symposium was hosted by Dean Dan Tokaji, University of Wisconsin Law School, and Professors Miriam Seifter and Rob Yablon of the State Democracy Research Initiative, featuring nationally-renowned constitutional and election law scholars.
The symposium focused on the dynamics between election laws written by state legislative bodies and federal elections. Under the U.S. constitutional system, the functioning of presidential and congressional elections depends on state law, state courts, and state and local election officials. Unlike many other democratic countries, the United States has neither a comprehensive national election code, nor a national electoral authority responsible for overseeing its elections. Instead, authority over election administration lies with state and local officials across the country. The Wisconsin Law Review brought together legal scholars to discuss the future of American state election law and the challenges that may arise in the face of the upcoming federal elections.
For donation opportunities and any questions regarding the 2024-25 Symposium, please contact our Symposium Editors, Mikaela Steckelis & Julie Kim, atwlrsymposium@law.wisc.edu.
Speakers: Professors Ellen Katz, Josh Douglas, Nick Stephanopoulos
Speakers: Professors Ned Foley, Victoria Nourse, Lori Ringhand
Optional Lunch Outing: SDRI Book Talk by Professor Marcus Gadson at Lubar Commons, Law School Building
Speakers: Professors Mark Graber and Quinn Yeargain
Speakers: Professors Vik Amar, Carolyn Shapiro, Anthony Kreis
Executive Summary
The Wisconsin Law Review's 2024 Symposium brought together renowned constitutional and election law scholars to discuss the dynamics between state election laws and federal elections. The symposium focused on the challenges arising from the lack of a comprehensive national election code and the decentralized nature of election administration in the United States. The event featured prominent speakers and explored the future of American state election law in the context of upcoming federal elections.
Key Points
- ▸ Decentralized election administration in the United States
- ▸ Lack of a comprehensive national election code
- ▸ Interplay between state election laws and federal elections
Merits
Interdisciplinary approach
The symposium's diverse range of speakers and topics promoted a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding state election laws and federal elections.
Demerits
Limited scope
The symposium's focus on state election laws and federal elections may have overlooked other crucial aspects of the electoral process, such as voter suppression and electoral reform.
Expert Commentary
The Wisconsin Law Review's 2024 Symposium represents a critical step towards addressing the complexities of state election laws and their impact on federal elections. By convening leading scholars and experts, the event facilitated a nuanced exploration of the challenges and opportunities arising from the decentralized nature of election administration in the United States. The symposium's findings and discussions can inform evidence-based policy reforms and promote a more equitable and efficient electoral process.
Recommendations
- ✓ Conduct further research on the impact of state election laws on federal elections
- ✓ Develop and propose comprehensive electoral reform legislation to address the limitations of the current system
