The Center for Election Science (CES), the largest national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing approval voting reforms in the U.S., unveiled a new brand identity and website this week. “Our new look focuses on the three strengths of CES: actionable research, quality education, and dedicated advocacy,” said CES CEO Nina Taylor. “We want The Center for Election Science to be a place where everyone, from first-time voters to voting method enthusiasts, can engage in the election research and voting reform conversation and find information important to them.”

What’s Different?

The new brand identity features a cleaner, more professional look, a comprehensive research agenda, and expanded educational resources. The revamped website includes two new sections: the Research Hub and the Education & Advocacy section. The Research Hub will showcase groundbreaking research and electoral analysis, beginning with the inaugural America (Mis)Represented report, examining vote splitting in the 2022 elections. The Education section will provide resources for those new to approval voting and tools for people to promote it.

What’s Not Changing?

CES remains dedicated to approval voting as the most effective reform for voters. “Getting approval voting in the hands of the most people possible and making democracy fairer and more representative - that is our north star,” said Michael Ruvinsky, CES’ Board Chair. “We seek to build on our successes in legislatures and ballot measures to give power back to voters,” Ruvinsky said.

The Process

“We completed a landscape analysis, hosted individual calls with supporters, reviewed our organization and its values and asked ‘what makes us different?’” said Nina Taylor. “While it was clear we had a strong identity as a place for knowledge, we also had an ‘explorer’ persona that we wanted to shine through. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s known when it comes to election science. We’re highlighting opportunities for voters to see that a new democracy is possible,” said Taylor.

What’s Next?

CES plans to turn the momentum of this relaunch into action, including:

  • Release of the America (Mis)Represented research report on vote splitting.
  • Supporting legislation in Maryland to implement approval voting.
  • Collaborating with officials and advocates in Michigan for approval voting adoption.
  • Announcing new research partnerships.

About CES and Approval Voting

Founded in 2011, CES leads the approval voting movement. This method, extensively researched by CES and the academic community, allows voters to select all preferred candidates, empowering voters and finding broadly acceptable winners. CES has been pivotal in advocating for approval voting, helping activists in St. Louis and Fargo transform their elections since 2018.

For more information about CES or approval voting, visit electionscience.org.

Chris Raleigh chris@electionscience.org