Bard High School Early College – PS 261: Elections and the Electoral Process

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

The objective of Elections and the Electoral Process is primarilytwo-fold: to introduce you to how elections are conducted and to give youregular opportunities to think through issues and controversiessurrounding elections and democracy. As we move through the course,we will consider both current events and historical developments,electoral processes employed both inside and outside the United States,and a number of arguments for and against both present practices andproposed reforms. You will be reading from a variety of sources (such asopinion articles, scholarly publications, Supreme Court decisions) anddrawing on them—or flatly opposing them—to stake out your ownposition on thequestions they address. You will also get hands-on, practical experienceby taking part in conducting an election on campus and by observing thisNovember's election as it happens. By the end of the semester, you willhave a better understanding of how elections work and (I hope) a greaterinterest in elections and the role they play in the life of a democraticsociety.