Presenter Information

Zoe Navratil, SUNY GeneseoFollow

Submission Type

Poster

Abstract

The current United States Congress is historically the most racially diverse, but the voter turnout gap between white and Black voters continues to grow exponentially. This research aims to form connections between Black congressional representation and the political participation of Black voters in elections. I will examine factors such as the importance of descriptive representation, implications of intersectional identities, and the concept of identity politics as related to race. Furthermore, I will offer potential solutions to increase political participation among Black voters such as expanding and codifying voting rights for racial minority groups.

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169-Why Representation Matters: Examining the Role of Congressional Racial Diversity on Political Engagement

The current United States Congress is historically the most racially diverse, but the voter turnout gap between white and Black voters continues to grow exponentially. This research aims to form connections between Black congressional representation and the political participation of Black voters in elections. I will examine factors such as the importance of descriptive representation, implications of intersectional identities, and the concept of identity politics as related to race. Furthermore, I will offer potential solutions to increase political participation among Black voters such as expanding and codifying voting rights for racial minority groups.

 

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