The Impact of the Parkland Shooting on Voter Behavior and Preferences: Focus on Gun Control, Mental Health, and School Safety Policies.

This paper thesis examines how the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL has influenced voting behavior within the affected community, specifically regarding candidate and policy preferences related to gun control, mental health support, and school safety. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporates surveys and interviews to capture voters' opinions and attitudes in the aftermath of the tragic event. Public voter data is also analyzed to identify shifts in voting patterns and candidate support over time. The research aims to understand the magnitude to which the Parkland shooting has shaped voters' views and decisions, and whether it has led to a lasting change in political discourse and policy priorities. This analysis seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of how traumatic events can impact electoral behavior and policy considerations within a community and potentially beyond.