Ellen Seljan
Professor of Political Science
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.
PhD in Political Science, University of California, San Diego (2010), BA, Drew University (2004)
Spring 2026 Courses:
Currently On Sabbatical
News Stories
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.
“Happy Birthday: You Get to Vote!”
Quick Take: Political Science with Ellen Seljan
Students research Oregon campaign finance
Location: J.R. Howard Hall
Political Science is located in J.R. Howard Hall on the Undergraduate Campus.
email polisci@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7450
Chair Ben Gaskins
Political Science
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219
