EXPERTS ADVISORY

ANN ARBOR—University of Michigan faculty members are available to provide insights for the Nov. 4 midterm elections.

Can interest groups really influence outcomes? Michael Heaney, assistant professor of organizational studies and political science, examines the organizational dimensions of American politics. His research focuses interest groups, political parties and social movements in shaping the political process and policy outcomes. Contact: (202) 236-3369 or mheaney@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1tiIzZN

How civil rights play a role: Ellen Katz, the Ralph W. Aigler Professor of Law, specializes in election law, civil rights and remedies, and equal protection. Minority representation, political equality and the role of institutions and anti-discrimination laws are some of her areas of expertise. Her articles include an influential empirical study of litigation under the Voting Rights Act. Contact: (734) 647-6241 or ekatz@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1u7LY1g

The impact of media and the Internet: Arthur Lupia, professor of political science and senior research scientist at the Institute for Social Research’s Center for Political Studies. He examines how institutions affect policy and politics, with a focus on how people make decisions when they lack information. Contact: (734) 647-7549 or lupia@isr.umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1pYHOlc

Election fraud? Walter Mebane, professor of political science and statistics, can discuss factors that provoke election fraud. He can discuss what political scientists look for to determine whether election outcomes are legitimate. Contact: (734) 763-2220 or wmebane@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1p1RIYv

How we develop our attitudes: Josh Pasek, faculty associate at the Center of Political Studies, has done research exploring how new media and psychological processes each shape political attitudes, public opinion and political behaviors. Contact: (734) 763-3186 or jpasek@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1yI5BuR

Tell us what you really think: Michael Traugott, professor emeritus of communication studies and director of the Center for Political Studies, is an authority on political communication, public opinion, media polling and campaign surveys. Contact: (734) 763–4702 or mtrau@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1wd7CzZ

NOTE: U-M has a professional studio and uplink capabilities.