Elections Around the World: The Constituency Level Election Archive – UROP Spring Symposium 2021

Elections Around the World: The Constituency Level Election Archive

Morgan Vanderleest

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Pronouns: she/her

Research Mentor(s): Allen Hicken, Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Political Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 3 (1pm-1:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 18
Presenter: 4

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Abstract

The Constituency-Level Elections Archive (CLEA) is a database that provides information about lower-house elections around the world. Data is gathered from mainly official websites and may be cross-checked through Wikipedia and other secondary sources if needed. The data can contain information about the candidates, parties, and overall voting statistics if applicable. There is a specific format that is used to systemize the data which makes it easier to compare across years and countries if desired. We also take the data and create decimals to better represent the results of each candidate and the overall voter turnout. This representation allows for a quicker scan of the data to identify winners and potential trends across constituencies. If a person wants to see how voter turnout has changed across the years or as a result of a natural catastrophe, they can use the data we have gathered provided that our sources contribute the information needed to determine voter turnout. Currently, we have one client who wants to see 2020 election results to analyze if COVID-19 had an impact on voter turnout and the overall election. Along with certain people asking for specific elections or dates, the public can also use the information however they desire. If a researcher wants to include data about an election, analyze the results, or compare it to illustrate trends, they can use CLEA data which is presented in a way that should make it easier than just looking at the official sources that we use.

Authors: Morgan VanderLeest, Allen Hicken
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research

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