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Peter Miller

Researcher, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University, School of Law
Chapter Member: New York City SSN, New York State SSN
Areas of Expertise:
  • American Democracy
  • Voting
  • State & Local Government

Connect with Peter

(646) 292-8310

About Peter

Miller's research focuses on the influence of institutions on individual behavior. Particular topics Miller has published on include redistricting in the United States, the effects of state-level reforms designed to make it easier to vote, and the ability of compulsory voting rules to improve representation of citizen's preferences and increase participation in elections. He was a Fulbright Scholar to Finland in 2016.

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Why Independent Redistricting Commissions Should Draw Electoral District Maps

SSN Key Findings Brief,

In the News

"A New Approach to Redistricting Pennsylvania and Beyond," Peter Miller (with Steve Kimbrough and Fred Murphy), The Inquirer, January 5, 2018.

Publications

"Public Hearings and Congressional Redistricting: Evidence from the Western United States 2011-2012" (with Bernard Grofman). Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy 17, no. 1 (2018).

Examines the role of public input into the redistricting process in the western United States. Finds the public is able to provide meaningful guidance to the redistricting authorities, but that comments related to small units of geography are more likely to be accepted.

"Redistricting Commissions in the Western United States" (with Bernard Grofman). University of California Irvine Law Review 3 (2013): 637-668.

Compares redistricting authorities in the western United States. Finds that commissions are able to deliver timely maps that also modestly increase competition in House elections.

"Mobilizing the Young Vote: Direct Mail Voter Guides in the 2015 Chicago Mayoral Election" (with Rebecca Reynolds and Matthew Singer). Research & Politics 4, no. 4 (2017).

Reports the results of a direct mail mobilization experiment in the Chicago mayoral election. Finds that the voter guide increased turnout among 18-30 year olds, but only in more affluent areas of the city.

"Get Out the Early Vote: Co-Ethnic Mobilization and Convenience Voting" (with Neilan S. Chaturvedi). Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties (2018).

Uses survey data and voter registration files to measure the voting behavior of Blacks in the Obama elections. Finds that they are more likely to vote, but also substantially more likely to vote prior to Election Day.

"Overcoming Voting Obstacles: The Use of Convenience Voting by Voters with Disabilities" (with Sierra Powell). American Politics Research 44, no. 1 (2015): 28-55.

Assesses the ability of convenience voting reforms to increase turnout among Americans with disabilities. Finds that mail ballots are one possible reform that can narrow the gap in turnout for voters with disabilities.