Do you vote in elections? Why? Are you sure about that?
Do you trust polls? Would you like to better understand 2020 political polls?
Join other curious minds on February 18th to hear about and discuss these questions with Dr. Ernest McGowen, III, associate professor of political science at the University of Richmond, where democracy is strong, science is respected and elevated. With this in mind, we’ve invited Dr. McGowen to set us straight on some fundamentals with two short talks in one night. First, we’ll discuss a variety of motivations behind people’s decisions on whether or not to vote. Spoiler alert: you may be disappointed to learn some truths about human behavior. Then McGowen will give us a crash course on the science of polling and inspire us to be clear-eyed consumers of survey data. All while you enjoy a night out!
Featured Scientific Thinker:
Dr. Ernest McGowen, III, is an associate professor of political science at the University of Richmond. His specializations include political behavior, campaigns and elections, and race and ethnicity. His most recent work explores the question of historic class divergence in the African American community. Dr. McGowen is the author of African Americans in White Suburbia: Social Networks and Political Behavior focusing on the unique role of suburban residence on African American racial opinion. He has also published in numerous academic journals including Public Opinion Quarterly and Presidential Studies Quarterly, and Politics, Groups, and Identities. McGowen earned his Ph.D. in political science with concentrations in American Government and Political Methodology. He’s @ErnestMcGowen on Twitter.
Where and When
Tuesday, February 18
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude around 8:00 p.m.
Located at Capital Ale House • 623 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219
Parking: There are parking spots on the street or paid lots in the neighborhood, or Plan a GRTC bus trip
Who Should Come
All curious minds 18 and over are welcome. A background or interest in science and/or politics is not needed.
What To Expect
Two short talks divided by an intermission and plenty of Q&A discussion. Food and beverages available for purchase throughout the evening.
A mix of theatre-style and table-side seating for 125 on a first come basis. No registration needed.
