Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, who is also the director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently commented in the Henrico Citizen on the possibility of using mail-in or absentee ballots for upcoming elections.

The groups are asking for provisions such as free or prepaid postage, allowing ballots postmarked by election day to count, in addition to extending early voting periods for in-person voting. Two possible alternatives to replace voting in person are mail-in and absentee ballots, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg that specializes in media and elections.

Farnsworth believes it’s unlikely that the November U.S. presidential election will be delayed, but said voters may see changes at the polls.

“Even for states that don’t make the switch away from largely in-person voting, you can expect much greater opportunities for no-excuse-required early and absentee voting,” Farnsworth said. Read more.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, has been quoted in several regional and national news stories:

Grading the region’s coronavirus response: Hogan 1st, Northam last, and Bowser in the middle (The Washington Post)

National Media Discover Gov. Hogan: ’The Republican Who Gets It’ (Maryland Matters)

Viewpoints with Todd van der Hey (CJAD Montreal)

Virginia Judge Loosens Ballot Signature Rules Amid Pandemic (Courthouse News Service)