State-Level Political Polarization and the Electorate

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

James Old

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Political Science

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Political Science researchers have increasingly begun to look at political polarization as an avenue for explaining democratic behavior. The topic has managed to surpass academia and enter its way into mainstream political conversation. In the literature, polarization is generally understood either as spatial or ideological polarization, which is the ideological separation between voters and parties, or as affective polarization, the deepening emotional divide between voters. Scholars investigate how polarization might be a catalyst for short-term voter turnout while simultaneously diminishing voters' long-term sense of political efficacy. Although political science scholarship on polarization is not new, state-level studies are only recently emerging. A majority of the studies done on polarization and electoral outcomes are primarily on a national level. The focus on the national level leaves a gap in our understanding of how polarization affects voters in each state. Existing studies on state-level polarization do not differentiate levels of polarization or consider the potential correlation with electoral turnout. This study will attempt to fill that gap by examining the relationship between polarization and electoral turnout and the potential long-term consequences for political efficacy.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Jose Ponce is a senior graduating in May 2026 with a double major in Political Science and Creative Writing. He is interested in combating political polarization and learning about its effects on democratic health. His interest comes from seeing political instability grow in recent years and watching the expanding discourse gap. Next, he hopes to pursue a career in public service. 

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