Associate Professor of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences (Class II)

Do African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans and Native Americans feel they are adequately represented in state and local government in North Carolina? Andy Reynolds asked that exact question in his study. Drawing from a database of 635 minority representatives from the over 4,000 elected representatives in the state of North Carolina, Reynolds asked four questions: Are there sufficient numbers to adequately represent communal interests? To what degree do such groups feel their voices are heard in legislative bodies? How do the electoral systems used effect the numbers and nature of minority legislators elected? What alternative election systems might do a better job at representing North Carolina’s growing minority communities? When it comes to minority representation, among the 4,000 plus elected representatives in North Carolina, 609 are African-Americans (16 percent), there are 23 Native Americans (0.6 percent), three Latinos (0.08 percent) and no Asian-Americans, as of 2008-2010.

“The Faculty Engaged Scholars program has transformed my scholarship and relationship with the state. It opened my eyes to new ideas and cases. Above all it has connected me to some of the most fascinating and inspirational members of the UNC and broader Carolina community.”