Donovan to discuss independence in Scotland, Spain and beyond Jan. 14

Todd Donovan, political science professor at Western Washington University, will discuss “Referendums on Independence: Scotland, Spain and Beyond” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham.

Donovan’s talk is part of a series of thought-provoking, educational and relevant discussions, called “Ignite Your Intellect,” which are being presented by the WWU Alumni Association. The series of talks will feature speakers from Western’s extensive network of alumni, professors, community members and other experts on a variety of topics ranging from educational to science to social justice, to name a few.

Ticket prices for Donovan’s talk are $12 for WWU Alumni Association members and $17 for non-members. Appetizers will be provided by twofifty/flora. One glass of wine in addition to tasty modern comfort food is included in the cost of admission. Tickets are available online at http://wwu.imodules.com/s/1710/interior.aspx?sid=1710&gid=2&pgid=721 or by calling the Alumni Office at (360) 650-3353.

Donovan maintains that previous referendums on independence have demonstrated that popular votes might manage nationalist sentiments. Scotland's recent experience is an example. The case for independence votes in Catalan, Crimea, and Texas may be more complex. His talk will examine Scotland's vote, with comparisons to other cases. In addition, Donovan will discuss the state of American politics following the recent 2014 U.S. midterm elections.

Donovan’s research is on elections, representation, voting, public opinion, and direct democracy. He has worked as an expert witness on election matters in state and federal courts, and has received grants to study elections in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.  He traveled to Scotland last fall to observe the independence referendum. In November 2014, Donovan was elected to the Whatcom County Review Commission. His other recent affiliations include senior fellow with The Foley Institute for Public Policy (Washington State University), and visiting fellow at the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University.