Mary Cipperman '21 researched the evolution and impact of modern voting rights in the United States. She examined racial disparities in voter participation by researching the preclearance requirement under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Mary's faculty mentor was Mr. Alexander Jimenez from the English Department.
Her project had two parts. First, Mary studied modern legislation that affects access to voting. Specifically, Mary analyzed the Shelby County v. Holder (2013) case, and the courts' decision to remove preemptive federal oversight of voting-related policy changes. Using Department of Justice data and two case studies, she examined the implications of the case on voting participation, especially for minority and low-income citizens.
Employing this research, Mary created the second part: a non-partisan organization for youth activism and voting rights. Mary developed and founded the National Organization for Youth Activists, NOYA. This group generated articles, ran conferences, and assisted citizens in registering to vote.
At the end of the summer, Mary ran a three-day youth activism conference, with ten partner organizations, seventy student registrations, and twelve hours of programming. NOYA was so successful that a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, the Pamela and Ajay Raju Foundation, incorporated Mary's organization into their institution.
Mary hopes to work with the foundation to collaborate with Philadelphia lawmakers, increase voter participation, and host civic action initiatives. Below is a link to NOYA and the video of Mary's presentation.
1. Why did you want to pursue this research?
I’ve been interested in political science for several years, but in 2019, I saw voting rights activist Stacey Abrams speak in New York. I learned about legislation that significantly affects electoral outcomes, by mandating how, where, and when voters can cast a ballot.
I sought to analyze why voting policies have become increasingly restrictive in several key states since 2013. Why are voting rights so contentious in the United States? How are policies, like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, applied today? And, most importantly, are we backsliding?
With the 2020 election approaching, this seemed even more pertinent to the present day. Thus, I set out to both analyze modern case law and to apply my research to our democratic processes.
2. How did the Lilley fellowship make this possible?
The Lilley Fellowship provided ample support and guidance; it truly made my project possible. My mentor, Mr. Jimenez, and advisor, Mr. Kelly, met with me regularly, providing insight, guidance, and critical feedback. I received constructive comments and inquiries from the Lilley Fellowship Committee, as well as financial support.
Over the course of the fellowship, my project grew from a small research initiative with local lobbying into multiple analyses and an organization that I’m still developing now. I used the Lilley Fellowship platform to recruit conference sponsors, for example, and my mentors guided me towards the strongest conclusions possible.
3. Describe the impact this fellowship had on your EA experience and your overall development as a person.
The Lilley Fellowship has been my most formative academic experience at EA. It exemplifies EA’s many strengths by providing me, as a high school student, with a unique forum for active inquiry, rigorous academics, and personal development. I received ample support from faculty members across departments, and I felt both challenged and nurtured throughout the process.
Personally, I developed a passion for political science and electoral politics, which I hope to pursue professionally through a career in law or public service. Through my presentations, I learned communication, research, and time management skills that I believe will be crucial to my future successes. Personally, I used the platform to advocate for a cause—voting rights and youth participation in democracy—that I believe has relevance to my society. I also worked with about ten activism organizations over the summer to develop NOYA programming, so I learned about nonprofit formation, entrepreneurship, and grassroots activism.
This opportunity advanced my academic skills, professional aspirations, and personal advocacy. The Lilley Fellowship is truly an unparalleled program to develop high-level research even in high school, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.