Michael Latner

Michael Latner is an Associate Professor of Political Science at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he has taught since 2007. He is also a Kendall Science Fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, focusing on voting rights and electoral reform. His research and teaching interests include voting rights, political participation, representation, and electoral system design, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of environmental justice and democratic participation.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California at Irvine (2008)
• M.A. in Political Science, University of California at Irvine (2004)
• B.A. in Political Science, California State University, Chico (1995)

Research Interests:

Latner's scholarly work spans several critical areas of political science. His research on voting rights examines how electoral systems impact representation and political participation, with a focus on racial disparities in voter turnout and ballot rejections. He has conducted extensive studies on gerrymandering, analyzing its effects on American federalism and the future of popular sovereignty. His work also explores the link between voting rights and environmental justice, arguing that equitable electoral systems are essential for policies promoting public health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, he applies evolutionary theory to understand the design of democratic institutions, investigating how human behavioral tendencies influence constitutional structures.

Scientific Awards:

• Common Cause Redistricting Competition Award
• Wilma Rule Award from Californians for Electoral Reform

Teaching and Academic Service:

At Cal Poly, Latner teaches a wide range of courses, including Introduction to American and California Government, Political Participation, Campaigns and Elections, California Politics, Voting Rights and Representation, Quantitative Methods, and Democracy, Design & Public Policy. He is actively involved in the electoral reform movement and frequently contributes to public discourse through media appearances and policy advocacy.