Elections 2026

Course Description

Elections are where democracy becomes visible and 2026 offers a front-row seat to one of the most closely followed cycles in recent memory. This first-year seminar follows the national, state, and local races of the 2026 election in real time. We’ll ask and answer questions like: What’s at stake? Who is running, and what do they stand for? Who will turn out to vote? And who is likely to win? Using political science as a guide, the course explores how and why elections unfold the way they do.

Students in this course will be exposed to the study of elections and will engage with leading theories on voter turnout, candidate behavior, and electoral forecasting from a variety of different perspectives. The course is designed to be both grounded in the specifics of 2026 while equipping students with the tools to understand future elections as well. By combining close attention to current events with academic rigor, students will leave with a richer understanding of American political life and the confidence to engage with it as informed citizens.

Faculty Spotlight

Ashley Moraguez, Ph.D. – Chair & Associate Professor, Political Science

Academic background

Dr. Ashley Moraguez is an Associate Professor and the department chair of Political Science at UNC Asheville. Her specialty lies within American Politics, especially Congress and the presidency. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and American Studies from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in Political Science from Emory University. She offers a variety of courses covering American Politics, including those that focus on elections, the role of money in politics, and the evolution of the presidency. Dr. Moraguez also works with students to lead the voter engagement efforts on campus!

What makes this course meaningful for students?

Dr. Moraguez really enjoys working with first-year students and aspires to help them think about the American political system in new ways. In particular, she hopes that students will not only gain a deeper understanding about how American elections work but also a sense of confidence in engaging in the political system to elicit the change they hope to see.

Favorite spot in Asheville

Dr. Moraguez’s favorite spots in Asheville include a variety of amazing bookstores, including Malaprop’s, the Battery Park Book Exchange, and Mr. K’s Used books. She’s an avid reader of fiction in her spare time. It provides a nice break from her bad habit as a political news junkie!