The director of the Elon University Poll shared his analysis of the North Carolina political landscape and the way abortion debates could influence the 2016 elections.
The article, “Could Abortion Become a Wedge Issue in the South’s Last Semi-Swing State?”, looks at policy changes implemented by North Carolina’s governor and Republican-led legislature and the impact they have on women’s abilities to seek abortions.
Fernandez reflected on the concept of “government overreach” and how lawmakers’ efforts to limit access to abortion may not have as much sway over the electorate as pundits may think.
Fernandez joined the Elon faculty in 2012. His research interests include public opinion and public policy in the areas of crime, immigration, education, and local economic development. He teaches courses in research methods, public policy, American politics, urban politics, and ethnic and minority politics.