Introduction to Political Science (IRE 101) Week 8 Voting and Elections

Importance of Elections Democracy is much more than elections. But it is impossible without elections Electoral democracy is the foundation of all democratic systems. This is what makes power legitimate. Alternatives to Elections: A person may inherit the post of ruler, or: A person may conquer, seize by force the power to rule

Why we have elections? Popular sovereignty - citizens must be able to throw the ‘bad people’ out of the government. Elections give citizens a means to hold their leaders accountable. They are a mechanism to peacefully resolve the transfer of political power. They are a way of achieving political equality - citizens should have equal voice.

Elements of quality Elections Inclusive elections - equal opportunities for all eligible citizens to participate. This includes removing barriers for traditionally marginalized populations such as ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities; women, youth or elderly citizens; and persons with disabilities. Transparent - Decision making processes must be open to scrutiny. Independent election observation must take place. Competitive - reasonable and equitable opportunities to compete to be elected to governmental offices.

Possible Issues in Elections Election laws restrict citizens’ rights Information about voting procedures was widely not available The electoral register was inaccurate Some opposition candidates were prevented from running Some voters were threatened with violence at the polls Voting facilities were not available for elderly/people abroad Ballot boxes were not secured The authorities did not allow public scrutiny of their performance

United States The Electoral College, an original feature of the US Constitution, prevents the popular vote from immediately determining who becomes president. Very long Presidential Elections. Almost limitless influence of money. Elements of show business. 24 hours news cycle. Technical Issues - six hours to cast a ballot in Ohio, inaccurate state and local voter registers, insufficiently trained local poll workers, and the breakdown of voting machines in New York.

Europe Germany. The campaigns are usually less aggressive than in other countries, and far less emotional than those in the United States. The most relevant event during the campaigning is a TV debate between the leading candidates for the chancellor's office. Norway. Government funding accounts for 75% of political parties' income. Unlike in the US where candidates and their supporters can buy as much television time as they can afford, political ads are banned from television and radio. France. French have to go to the polls twice to elect their president. Whereas all parties can present their own candidates, a second polling date will be decisive. In the second round, only the two highest-performing candidates will be on the ballot paper. Britain. British voters cast their ballot for their favored parliament candidate. Depending on what party is able to get most seats in parliament, the monarch appoints that party's candidate as prime minister. Britain's electoral system favors major parties over smaller ones.