2027 Conference

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About the 2027 Conference

The 11th Annual Summer Conference on Election Science, Reform, and Administration (ESRA) will take place from June 1-3 2027, jointly hosted by Auburn University and Western Carolina University in Asheville, North Carolina.

Look for the 2027 call for proposals starting in mid-November, and for registration to open in mid-March. 

More details about the conference to come! Make sure you're on the ESRA mailing list to be first to hear about updates. 

2027 Host Committee

 

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Mitchell Brown

Mitchell Brown, Ph.D., is the Curtis O. Liles III Professor of Political Science at Auburn University, the Director of the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice (a collaboration of the Election Center and Auburn University). She is a founding editor of the Journal of Election Administration Research & Practice. She is widely published, and her work as a researcher, evaluator, trainer and consultant focuses on applied projects around the country centering on election administration, community-based problem solving, and democratic engagement. She serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Election Officials (the Election Center) and has also held board and leadership positions at the university, in state government, and in non-profit organizations. 

 

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Christopher A. Cooper

Christopher A. Cooper is the Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy at Western Carolina University. His research on elections, state politics, and southern politics has appeared in more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and books, including Anatomy of a Purple State (UNC Press, 2024). He has also written dozens of public-facing articles for outlets including Politico Magazine, The Washington Post, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and The Assembly.