Dr. Kerri Milita

Associate Professor of Political Science

Department of Politics & Government · Illinois State University

Portrait of Kerri Milita

About

I am an associate professor in the Department of Politics & Government at Illinois State University. My work examines how democratic institutions shape what voters see on the ballot and how candidates communicate with them.

Research Interests

Direct Democracy

Why have some states placed heavy restrictions on the public’s ability to use the initiative process while other legislatures have remained relatively hands-off? I study the relationship between state legislatures and ballot measures.

Congressional Elections & Representation

What determines whether candidates speak clearly or ambiguously on key issues? I examine how strategic position-taking shapes public beliefs about a candidate’s integrity and ability to represent the constituency.