Episode 3

3 - Improving Direct Democracy in Oklahoma

Did you know that in Oklahoma, citizens can directly make laws through the initiative petition process? Why do some politicians want to make this process more difficult? What are the challenges to using this process to enact change? In this episode, Emily and James interview State Representative Mickey Dollens who recently conducted an interim legislative study on this topic. We'll also discuss the importance of policy experimentation at the local level, and whether rank-choice-voting or open primaries would reduce partisan extremism.

If you have questions, comments, or show suggestions, contact us at NotMyGeneration@raider.rose.edu

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Dr. Emily Stacey

Emily Stacey is a Political Science professor and Program Coordinator for Political Science at Rose State College. Dr. Stacey has the privilege of coordinating events, including the Great Debate panel series, Liberal Arts and Sciences colloquia, and the Political Science book club. Dr. Stacey was honored as a DaVinci Institute Fellow in 2023, an award given for innovative teaching in higher education. She successfully completed her dissertation defense in November 2016, and formally graduated with her doctorate in July 2017 from Swansea University (Wales, UK). Emily’s dissertation research focuses on the necessity of bureaucratization in contemporary social movements, namely those using digital technologies to mobilize and sustain dissent. She has participated in the Digital Methods Initiative at the University of Amsterdam (2013) and Oxford University’s Internet Institute Summer Doctoral Program (2014).



Emily has published multiple works thus far, Combatting Internet-Enabled Terrorism (2017), which focuses on the use of digital technologies and the internet by terror organizations, with emphasis on the Islamic State. Nationalism, Social Movements, and Activism in Contemporary Society was published in 2018, and analyzes the rising tide of nationalist politics around the world, with emphasis on U.S. politics (the rise of the Tea Party, election of Donald Trump and juxtaposing that against the Black Lives Matter movement). Emily’s most recent work (2023) focuses on deglobalization and the shifting world order. You can follow Emily on Twitter at: @politikphd.
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James Davenport

James Davenport is the Associate Dean for Social Sciences and a professor of political science at Rose State College. He is a two-time recipient of the Oklahoma Political Science Association's (OPSA) "Teacher of the Year" award and a recipient of OPSA's "Excellence in Public Service" award. He has also earned the Rose State College "Excellence in Teaching" award. He earned the "Excellence in Public Service" Award from the OPSA in 2023.
James brings practical experience in politics to his academic training as a political scientist. He has worked for a member of Congress, a county commissioner, a public opinion research firm, and owned a public relations and campaign consulting firm. In addition, he has also be the host of a radio talk show.
In 2023, James founded the Center for Civic Engagement, which fosters positive conversations on challenging issues and builds bridges of communication between the academic community, policy makers, and the general public.
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