The Influence of Partisanship in Local School Board Elections: Evidence from Exit Polling in Michigan & Rhode Island. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1360
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| Title: | The Influence of Partisanship in Local School Board Elections: Evidence from Exit Polling in Michigan & Rhode Island. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1360 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Cameron J. Arnzen (ORCID |
| Source: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. 2025. |
| Availability: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 52 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Boards of Education, Elections, Politics of Education, Decision Making, Voting, Political Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Michigan, Rhode Island |
| Abstract: | Education in the U.S. has long been shaped by local school boards elected in nonpartisan contests, a structure intended to shield schools from broader political forces. Today, many states are considering reforms to make school board elections partisan, yet the impact on voters remains unclear. Using exit poll data from 839 voters in Michigan (nonpartisan elections) and Rhode Island (partisan elections), we examine how school board election structure influences voter decision-making. We find that partisanship strongly predicts voters' educational priorities in both contexts. Moreover, when party labels appear on ballots, voters are nearly 50 percentage points more likely to select a copartisan. These findings raise critical questions about how electoral reforms may reshape local education governance and democratic engagement. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678259 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Education in the U.S. has long been shaped by local school boards elected in nonpartisan contests, a structure intended to shield schools from broader political forces. Today, many states are considering reforms to make school board elections partisan, yet the impact on voters remains unclear. Using exit poll data from 839 voters in Michigan (nonpartisan elections) and Rhode Island (partisan elections), we examine how school board election structure influences voter decision-making. We find that partisanship strongly predicts voters' educational priorities in both contexts. Moreover, when party labels appear on ballots, voters are nearly 50 percentage points more likely to select a copartisan. These findings raise critical questions about how electoral reforms may reshape local education governance and democratic engagement. |
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