Chow polynomials of simplicial posets with positive $h$-vector are real-rooted

Abstract

We prove that a finite graded simplicial poset with a top element added has real-rooted Chow and augmented Chow polynomials whenever it has a positive $h$-vector. This class of posets include Cohen-Macaulay simplicial posets and in particular lattices of flats of uniform matroids.

16 pages