Intended Date of Award
2024
Degree Name
Doctorate in Management and Public Service (DMPS)
Chair
Kristen Norman, PhD
Committee Member
Craig Waldron, DPA
Second Committee Member
Jay Stroebel
Abstract
Our democracy depends on having a supply of candidates running for elected office, but in some instances, no one wants to run. This phenomenological study asks what the effects on a healthy and vibrant democracy are if ballots are blank and the seat is filled through write-in or appointment. Rooted in democratic theory, this study explores small, rural city elections where write-ins won election. Understudied, local governments are responsible for decisions affecting the lives of millions of people each day. Workforce scarcity, the alienation of young Americans from politics, government bashing, nasty campaigns, threats of physical harm, and other barriers that discourage quality candidates from running are explored through interviews and the subsequent thematic analysis. Results identify motivations for serving, barriers to public office, candidate quality, gatekeeping elected officials, perceptions of write-in candidates, the current challenges faced by cities, the loss of the local newspaper, and the city-driven creation of new information environments to inform the public. The study finds abundant learning deficits and opportunities for civics education.
Recommended Citation
Ruter, Thomas J., "When Ballots are Blank: Write-In’s Serving Local Government and the Implications for a Healthy and Vibrant Democracy" (2024). School of Business Student Theses and Dissertations. 38.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hsb_all/38
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Business Student Theses and Dissertations
Included in
American Politics Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Election Law Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Leadership Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Other Legal Studies Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Administration Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Media Commons, Social Policy Commons