Education Referenda Passage in Northwest Indiana: Analyzing Factors and Voter Characteristics

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

James Old

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Political Science

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-25-2024

Abstract

Existing literature on education referenda indicate that the most important factors for passage are race, age, and voter turnout. Indiana has not been extensively studied on this topic, and its status as an uncompetitive state with low voter turnout makes it a unique state to study. This paper tests if these factors apply in Indiana under distinctive situations, specifically in Northwest Indiana. Therefore, this study looks at predictors of voter turnout, median household income, election timing, race, and the percentage of families living below the poverty line in each school district that has voted on an education referendum. By doing so, this paper contributes to existing literature that looks at specific states' voter characteristics and attitudes toward public school funding.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

I am a senior English and political science major with interests in the non-profit and public sectors. I first became intrigued by education referenda after my local community voted against their referendum in the spring of 2023. Upon graduating, I plan on attending Western Michigan University to attain my Master's of Public Administration.

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