Ellen Seljan

Ellen Seljan

Professor of Political Science

John R. Howard Hall 331, MSC: 12
Office Hours:

Currently On Sabbatical Spring 2026

Ellen Seljan teaches courses in American politics, public policy, research methods, and data science. Her research is in the field of state and local politics, spanning the policy domains of fiscal institutions and election administration. Previous work on fiscal institutions includes analysis of tax and expenditure limits, supermajority requirements to raise taxes, and assessment districting. Her research on election administration has examined campaign finance enforcement and the effect of automatic voter registration laws.

News Stories

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Faculty Provide Election Expertise to City of Gresham

Todd Lochner and Ellen Seljan of the political science department served as consultants to the City of Gresham’s Charter Review Committee. They focused mainly on city council elections, sharing their expertise on electoral systems and local political institutions.

points of pride 

“Happy Birthday: You Get to Vote!”

The MIT Election Data and Science Lab has awarded Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Ellen Seljan and her collaborator Dr. Paul Gronke at Reed College a MEDSL grant to support their project.
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Quick Take: Political Science with Ellen Seljan

Assistant Professor of Political Science Ellen Seljan teaches courses on American politics, Congress, parties and interest groups, public policy, and research methods.
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Students research Oregon campaign finance

Maya Gold ’14 and Walker Davis ’15 worked alongside Associate Professor of Political Science Todd Lochner and Assistant Professor of Political Science Ellen Seljan to conduct research on the regulatory structure of Oregon’s campaign finances. In the following Q&A, the students reflect on their experience.

Location: J.R. Howard Hall