David E. RePass passed away on July 30th, 2024. He was a professor of political science who was known for the use of open-ended survey questions to explain outcomes of elections. In a book published in 2020 titled Listening to the American Voter: What Was on Voters’ Minds in Presidential Elections, 1960 to 2016, David presented an equation which precisely measured what factors went into voters’ decisions. He used national level data from open-ended questions which asked what respondents liked and disliked about the candidates and what issues they were concerned with. His work was groundbreaking, clearly showing how the mandate of the people could become known.

In addition to his book, David published numerous articles and op-eds in The American Political Science Review, The Forum, The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Hill. He was writing a book titled The Decline and Fall of American Democracy and What We Can Do to Resurrect It when he died. Having taught American Government for 30 years, he was dismayed to see it being destroyed. He had hoped to share with the American public his ideas on what needed to be done to get back on track.

For the majority of his career, David taught at the University of Connecticut where he was active in the governance of the university, president of the AAUP and a member of the faculty senate. He was a leader in helping the faculty to unionize and formulated a method by which part of faculty salary would be based on merit. From 1977 to 1983, he served as Head of the Political Science Department. Upon retirement, he received the title of professor emeritus and a certificate of recognition for his services and contributions.

After retiring, he and his wife, Joyce, moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where he was active in local politics. He became chairman of Democrats for Change, who sought to reform the local Democratic party and served as member of and conducted research for the North Downtown Residents Association. He also worked on several taskforces that assisted the city Council.

He is survived by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Kendall and Clarisse. He was proud to be the grandfather of his outstanding grandchildren, Ryan and Amber.

Condolences can be sent to: In.Memoriam.David.RePass@gmail.com

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