Language
English (en)
Publication Date
2-6-2026
Summary
Climate disasters are intensifying. With the intensification comes a growing threat to democracy in the United States and to the communities that depend on fair representation. When disaster strikes, barriers arise that can silence voters, especially in communities already facing systemic inequality. This brief presents findings from an analysis of precinct-level turnout in the 2020 U.S. presidential election across over 2,000 precincts in the three cities. The cities were chosen for their size, diversity, and exposure to climate threats: hurricanes in Miami, Florida, wildfires in Los Angeles, California, and flooding in San Antonio, Texas. The findings underscore the need to integrate social, structural, and environmental considerations when assessing urban electoral resilience and designing interventions to ensure equitable access to the vote amid climate hazards.
Document Type
Research Brief
Original Citation
Brugger, L., Spindler-Ruiz, P., & Sandoval, N. (2026). How disaster risk shapes voter turnout (CSD Research Brief No. 26-11). Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Project
Voter Access and Engagement
Keywords
United States; voter access; disaster ; climate hazard ; San Antonio, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Federal Emergency Management Agency; National Risk Index ;
Recommended Citation
Brugger, L., Spindler-Ruiz, P., & Sandoval, N. (2026). How disaster risk shapes voter turnout (CSD Research Brief No. 26-11). Washington University, Center for Social Development.