Elections and Representation in American Municipal Administration: Elite Survey Evidence from Five New England States
Research Question
Does the method of selection–-appointment vs. election–-affect how municipal clerks represent their constituents?
Main Finding
Elected municipal clerks are more responsive to constituents and more oriented toward public service than appointed ones. However, selection method has limited impact on ideological or policy preferences.
Research Design
Cross-sectional survey with comparisons by selection method, supported by a preregistered research design.
Data Employed
An original online and mail survey of municipal clerks across five New England states conducted in Spring 2023.
Substantive Importance
The study informs ongoing debates about electoral accountability and bureaucratic professionalism in local governance. It underscores how institutional design affects democratic responsiveness even in low-salience local offices.
Research Areas
Local Government, Electoral Accountability, Institutional Design, Democratic Accountability, Survey Research
Citation
@article{clerks,
author = {Marsh, Wayde Z. C. and Olson, Michael P. and Reeves, Andrew and Jordan Duffin Wong},
title = {Elections and Representation in American Municipal Administration: Elite Survey Evidence from Five New England States},
journal = {Political Research Quarterly},
note = {Advance online publication},
year = {2025},
}