While reflecting on my college journey, one course stands out as a transformative experience: POLS 4071 – Social Choice and Elections with Dr. Keith Dougherty. It was an intellectual ride unlike any other I had encountered in my political science or economics studies. The challenge and fascination sparked by this course’s content were unparalleled compared to any of my other coursework at UGA. The exploration of voting preferences and theoretical frameworks opened my eyes to the complexities behind decision-making in elections. It was a rare blend of rigor and engagement that left a lasting impression.
During this past summer, I had the opportunity to witness how the theoretical concepts we studied in this class played out in real-world elections and campaigns. Interning with Greater Georgia, an organization focused on election integrity and voter registration in the state of Georgia, I witnessed firsthand the practical applications of the theories discussed in class. My internship combined classroom knowledge and real-world observation to shape my understanding and passion for political processes significantly. I continue to see these reflections in my current internship as a communications intern in the Office of the Governor.
Although there was a lot to learn within the classroom, we were left with an abundance of information for us to digest and research on our own terms. I was especially interested in the idea that there is no such thing as a perfect voting system. In class, we learned that it is impossible for us to create a voting rule that adheres to all five criteria under Arrow’s Theorem. We compared rules varying from Plurality Rule to Borda Count to Majority Rule with Runoff by comparing them under an array of voting criteria, which included the Condorcet loser criterion, transitivity, and Pareto. Dr. Dougherty encouraged us to think about what voting rules we believed were the most fair and efficient in our modern elections.
The learning environment created by Dr. Dougherty was exceptional, fostering interactivity and engagement. His dedication and investment of time was evident and greatly appreciated. My interest in delving further into American political institutions, social choice, and state elections has only intensified. This course will undoubtedly resonate with me as I navigate my future coursework and professional endeavors. Whether you are a student in SPIA or not, I highly recommend taking this course if you have any interest in social choice or elections. You will not regret it!
-Lauren Crowley (political science and economics student)
