Professor Franklin's blog is Polls and Votes. He regularly adds new items that may be of interest. The following links are to some specific posts related to the subject of his talk and to the study questions.

Wisconsin-related materials.

On the national scene:

• Presidential Election:
  • GOP Field vs Obama
  • The Elusive Alternative: GOP Candidate Surges in 2011
• Voting Trends by Age
• Support for Gay Marriage

The Study Questions:

1. What voting trends or patterns seem most likely to shape the outcome of the 2012 elections? In what ways?
2. At present, the level of partisanship is very high yet in polls voters express frustration with the lack of political compromise. How can we explain the disconnect? Are voters getting what they really want?
3. Will Wisconsin be a red state or a blue state in 2012?
4. In 2011 Wisconsin instituted multiple changes that could impact elections including redistricting, voter ID requirements, and new rules regarding the status of public employee unions. Which changes are most likely to impact the 2012 elections? Which will have the most significant longer term effects?
5. What are the prospects for a recall of Governor Walker and how might that effort affect other elections?

Mary Bean has suggested these additional questions when considering the study questions above.

1. What does this information do to help LWV enlarge the number of informed voters?
2. What can nonpartisan groups (LWV. Common Cause, WI Dem. Campaign) do to promote civil discussions?
3. (no additional question)
4. How do these changes to WI Law connect with "New Jim Crow Laws" which discourage voters?
5. Recall elections: does LWV have or need a position about recall elections?