September 24, 2024
Paul Gronke is a professor of political science at Reed College and the founder and director of the Elections & Voting Information Center (EVIC). Specializing in election administration, early voting, voter behavior, and public opinion, his work at EVIC focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and practical election administration, often working closely with election officials to implement data-driven solutions for improving electoral systems. Over the past two decades, Gronke has become a leading figure in election research, with his work regularly cited in academic circles and media outlets.
Last year, Gronke and his team conducted a study highlighting the growing pressures on local election offices, especially underfunding and understaffing. They presented the study to Oregon state lawmakers in November 2023.
In recent months, Gronke and research from the EVIC have been regularly featured in media coverage, particularly in stories about the challenges facing election officials, such as staffing shortages and increased workloads as more states adopt early and mail-in voting:
- The Oregonian: "Most candidates for Portland mayor and City Council sent reciprocated contributions to other candidates, raising legal questions"
- Oregon Public Broadcasting: "3 Oregon county clerks share perspectives and challenges ahead of general election"
- Oregon Public Broadcasting: "New faces will oversee this year's election in many parts of Oregon
- CBS News: "Nearly 40% of Colorado's local election officials are new since 2020"
- Votebeat: "A Wisconsin ballot error highlights the pressures on election officials ahead of November
- ProPublica: "Election Deniers Secretly Pushed Rule That Would Make It Easier to Delay Certification of Georgia's Election Results"
- KATU: “Political violence can lead to threats, harassment of local election workers, expert says”
- Carolina Public Press: "High turnover among NC elections directors linked to 25-year-old 'vague' statute"