voting

Postmortems of voting woes, disenfranchisement, and how countries around the world elect government officials.

Lessons on Electoral Fraud from Benford and Brandolini
The election is over, and as expected, Joe Biden has emerged as the clear winner. As was also expected, the President said that this was because of ‘fraud’, of which neither he nor his supporters had an initial theory.
By Alex Hughes5 years ago in The Swamp
Fences
I voted. I have always voted in every election I could since I was 18. In Australia and then in the USA once I became a dual citizen. I could no longer vote in Australia after 3 years of being a non resident,
By Maryanne O'Keeffe Potter5 years ago in The Swamp
Michigan in the Middle
Reuters published a fact check entitled, "Fact check: Table shows outdated voter registration numbers for eight key states on voter registration numbers" to their website on 11/05/2020. Supposedly, as they say...
By Amanda Spradlin5 years ago in The Swamp
Congratulations For Voting, Now Let The Real Work Begin
In 50 years, historians will likely look back and note the presidential election of 2020 as being one of the most important elections in American history. There is simply so much that hangs in the balance now, from corona virus to systematic racism, from a widening wealth gap to need for immediate fixes for the healthcare system, from correcting environmental deregulation concerns to rebuilding the dominant presence the United States once had on the global stage. With record turnout and millions of Americans voting for the time, it appears that a lot of individuals realized that fact. However, voting once every 4 years (or once in a lifetime) does not fulfill the civic obligations which go hand in hand with the right to vote. With so many people engaging in the electoral system for the first time in their lifetimes, it is an ideal time for a civics lesson and perhaps a collective investment in the bank of civic responsibility.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer5 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Jonathan
Dear Jonathan, I never quite know how to start these messages. It seems silly to ask, "How's it going?" Those three words feel so tired in 2020. Exhausted from overuse and met with an often unappreciated response.
By Miss Daryl5 years ago in The Swamp
Election Reflections of a Voting Yogi
Never say that there is no power in your vote. This goes for every nationality that lives in this American country. The power of the Cuban vote showed us a lot, the power of the Latino vote showed us a lot, the power of the Black vote showed us a LOT... when we say “it doesn’t matter if I vote or not, things will still be the same” that is only if you believe that to be true. If so, be prepared with solid reasoning when those who listen will ask you why. Don’t wave them off if you feel convicted and committed to your decision. Be accountable. If this election has shown us enough, one of those aspects are that people who definitely want to see change and believe that they hold the power to change by slipping in that sheet of paper, we hold more power in our hands than we give ourselves credit for. We choose to limit our power of understanding and reasoning to help another who hasn’t reach that plateau of consciousness; yet, sometimes and we have to remind ourselves to come back to that state and continue to transcend in knowledge of what goes on around us, because of us, and for us.
By Mardi B. 5 years ago in The Swamp
Your Vote Counts
First off, I would like to start off by discussing my organization of choice, and how much of an impact that they have had on this up-and-coming election. This election is essential to our future, and I believe that this organization took the steps necessary in presenting just how crucial it is that if you are of the age of eighteen and older, this year is the time to register in voting and to take part in making a difference this coming election. Just how they have had an impact on delivering the message? And just how they went about bringing communities together, I'm talking about Twitch. And this is how they encouraged an entire array of people to register and vote this election for the next president of the United States.
By Luke Ryan5 years ago in The Swamp
Election Day 2020
Ah, good ole Election Day once again. The one day out of the year where people can fulfill their patriotic duty to vote for the people that are running for public office. They also get to vote in their state elections as well. The politicians in all levels of government this election should be more understanding in the issues that affect everyone as a whole. It is important for people who do not like the current officials in office are able to vote them out. That's the beauty of our right to vote in the United States and the democratic process.
By Dawon Roy5 years ago in The Swamp
2020 Election
I usually wouldn't say this but their is a time in our lives we should vote and I definitely believe its one of those times. This year is one of the most important election years of many we have had. Most of the years we have gotten through we have thought to ourselves on should we vote or not. But this year is different from many,Let's see what this new year will bring us.Who do you think is gonna win this election ?
By Farrow Press5 years ago in The Swamp
Actions After Voting
Not too long ago my ancestors were not allowed the option of voting. They were excluded from one of society’s most important methods of exercising freedom at the time. After the end of chattel enslavement of African people in America, this was yet another barrier placed in front of their journey towards the destination of “ true freedom.” The power of choice and right to choose was not granted to these newly “freed” African Americans. The concept of “free will” or the ability to act at one’s own discretion did not truly apply to African Americans. This can also be applied to women, since they were restricted from voting as well. It’s also important to remain aware of the intersections black women existed at in this situation and the nuances that followed. Black women endured the brunt of racism and misogyny simultaneously.
By Ajala5 years ago in The Swamp
Strengths and Weaknesses of Different voting systems
Over the years Democracy has taken many shapes and forms. It has invaded Europe, The Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceana. Yet the way each democracy dose voting is extremely different. Instead of taking a really deep look we are going to take a look at all the different ways people are currently voting, and how it works. After I will give my personal grade of how good it is and why I feel that way. Bear in mind I go by a few metrics. First is how does it treats third parties? Second how effective has it been to keep dictators from gaming it. Third how many people on average actually participate this way and don’t stay home. And finally does it allow for real change in party politics AKA turn over. Mind you I wont touch upon all these metrics but I will explain my ranking out of five stars as to the big reasons it goes there due to some metrics being obvious in the descriptions and explanations of the pros and cons list. At the end I will give you my personal preference as to the voting system I love the most and as to why I suggest it for more modern democracies as well as emerging democracies around the world.
By Andrew Legnani5 years ago in The Swamp
Voting And All The Days Surrounding It Before And After
The time is etching closer and closer for the voting. The conversation fast forwards to after voting. What will everyone be doing beyond the vote? Before looking toward the after voting time, we must focus on before the voting. There are arguments spreading all over the world like wildfire. A big number of people are fighting against voting at all. The main reason some are against voting is because of the issues that are not being discussed. These issues are not even being brought in as the main topic when it comes down to all the serious matters. People are having a hard time finding someone that they feel is the right man or woman for the job.
By Shelly Bartley5 years ago in The Swamp