Brock Political Science Assistant Professor Nicole Goodman has been named to the advisory board of a global democracy organization.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), a global intergovernmental organization that supports democracy worldwide selected Goodman recently to serve on its Board of Advisors.

The Board includes only 15 members, who represent 29 member nations. Goodman, who was nominated by Global Affairs Canada, is only the third Canadian to be appointed to the Board, and the first since former senator Hugh Segal completed his term in 2013.

Goodman’s appointment runs from March 2018 until March 2021, during which time she will be expected to advise and make recommendations to both the Council of Member States and the Secretary General, and to support other activities within the organization.

“While I hope to broadly contribute to International IDEA’s mission and programs, I expect to make a particular contribution in the area of elections and information communication technology,” says Goodman. “This is my area of research expertise and it aligns well with International IDEA’s Electoral Processes impact area as well as the organization’s broader areas of expertise in democracy and development.”

Goodman, an early career scholar, is also the director and co-founder of the Centre for e-Democracy, a Senior Associate with the Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, and a member of the Laboratory of Local Elections.

Her recent study, the Internet Voting Project, focused on issues and outcomes around the adoption of digital voting technology. She is also presently working on the First Nations Digital Democracy project. Both projects received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Goodman’s research projects, government reports and consultations, including items written for Elections Canada and the Privy Council Office of Canada and testimony to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly (Ontario) and the Special Committee on Electoral Reform, have already had an impact on local, provincial, and national government policy. With her recent appointment, her expertise will reach a more global audience.

Paul Hamilton, Chair of the Department of Political Science, said Goodman’s appointment “is testament to the impact her important research is having internationally.”

“International IDEA is one of the most important organizational resources for scholars and governments around the world.”

“This is indeed an extraordinary achievement,” says Ingrid Makus, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who congratulated Goodman and thanked her for “her outstanding contribution to enhancing the international reputation of the Faculty, the University and the extended community.”

Goodman is thrilled to become actively involved with International IDEA.

“I have studied and used the materials produced by International IDEA since I was an undergrad,” says Goodman. “To have the privilege to serve on the Board of Advisors is an exciting honour. I am looking forward to working with a dynamic group of Board members from around the world and making a contribution to International IDEA’s important work.”

Goodman will attend her first meeting of the Board of Advisors in Stockholm, Sweden this June.