Cost of Voting and the NH Voting Paradox
Many New Hampshire voters were surprised to hear our state ranked 50th in the 2022 Cost of Voting Index (COVI), reflecting the highest ‘cost’ of voting in the country. As a state with one of the highest rates of voter turnout, how could this be the case? Join us to hear from an author of the COVI study, Dr. Scot Schraufnagel of Northern Illinois University, and NH Campaign for Voting Rights Director, McKenzie St. Germain, to learn about who benefits and who is left out of New Hampshire elections and what can be done to lower the cost of voting and improve voter access.
Watch the Video
View the Presentation Slides
- Dr. Scot Schraufnagel shared key findings of the 2022 Cost of Voting Index. View the presentation.
- McKenzie St. Germain discussed protecting voting rights and elections in New Hampshire. View the presentation.
About the Speakers
Scot Schraufnagel, PhD, is a professor and former chair at Northern Illinois University. His research and teaching specialties are elections, U.S. Congress, political parties, and state government, with an emphasis on promoting a civil, representative, and effective governing process in the United States. He has a broad interest in institutional effectiveness and policymaking, with a particular academic focus on policy innovation. His published works have dealt with institutional arrangements that promote effective elections (worldwide) and the factors associated with productive legislatures.
McKenzie St. Germain is the New Hampshire Voting Rights Campaign Director at America Votes. In that role, McKenzie manages the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, a statewide coalition committed to protecting a healthy democracy, voting access, and supporting election modernization. Prior to joining America Votes, McKenzie spent years working on successful campaigns in New Hampshire. In her free time, McKenzie enjoys baking, reading, and is always excited to try a new restaurant or brewery. She lives in Manchester, NH with her fiancé, their two cats, and their Golden Retriever puppy.
