The number of political events around the country has increased dramatically as anticipation for the upcoming presidential election grows, and Binghamton University is no exception to the excitement.

John McNulty, assistant professor of political science at Binghamton University, will discuss “Topics in Political Science Research on American Elections” on Wednesday, Sept. 24, according to a press release from the University. The talk will take place at the BU Forum in the Binghamton Club at 83 Front St.

McNulty, who received his Ph.D. from the University of California, is an award-winning writer. His work has been published in the American Political Science Reviews, Perspectives on Politics, American Politics Quarterly and the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. In 2004 he was awarded the Harold F. Gosnell Prize for best paper on political methodology from American Political Science Association’s Political Methodology section.

At this discussion, McNulty will talk about issues that directly affect students. Much of his research has been devoted to voter turnouts, specifically about what could happen if New York voters are mobilized come election time.

“An exceptionally high turnout in New York might actually help McCain,” McNulty said.

Although New York is a blue state, McNulty said that “peripheral voters,” or voters not closely affiliated with either party, are more likely to deflect from their party and vote for the opposing party’s candidate.

Another topic for discussion is the voting machines currently used in New York — mechanical lever machines that were invented in the late 19th century. While there is nothing wrong with using such devices to keep track of voting, McNulty said that they are exceptionally easy to tamper with.

“All someone would have to do is remove a single gear, and then the votes for a candidate won’t be counted,” McNulty said.

According to McNulty, the last company to manufacture these machines went out of business in the 1970s, meaning that older machines must be cannibalized in order to gain replacement parts for the ones currently in use.

This discussion is largely aimed at adults, but according to McNulty, BU students should be as interested as anyone else.

McNulty said that any BU student who wishes to get involved in politics would be wise to become a campaign volunteer, or join an on-campus group such as the College Democrats or Republicans, who debate every year.

Elena Backlund, the coordinator for the forum, said that although a membership is necessary for full forum privileges, students can gain access to the discussion for only $10. A breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 24, and the discussion will begin at 8 p.m.