Division of labour and political polarization—two social phenomena not typically considered together—may actually share a common social mechanism.
Election Science articles
This election science section highlights important research in political science as it relates to democracy, the ultimate invention in political science. Technology and science have played a major role in democratic history and this section seeks to constantly reexamine the important ideas behind it all. Be sure to also check out our Election Technology section and our articles on Technology Dissidents, the Internet and Voting or Voting Machines.
A Precinct Too Far: Turnout and Voting Costs
Study on the effects of voting costs—specifically, distance to polling location—using geographic discontinuities.
How Candidate Attractiveness Plays Role In Voters’ Decisions
Researchers concluded that candidates did in fact benefit from attractive looks, as well as appearing “competent” in photographs.
Democracy Is The Best Thing For Your Health
Recent research from The Lancet says Democratic countries had a higher life expectancy in a sample of residents that were HIV free, compared to autocracies.
Research Seeks Best Timing And Sequencing For Transitional Elections
International IDEA’s analysis is relevant to different types of complex political change that the UN addresses in its daily work.
Study: Insufficient Sleep Could Be Suppressing Voter Turnout
Why do people decide not to vote? New research published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour provides evidence that lack of sleep may play a role.
Towards A More Democratic Governance Of Blockchain Networks
Blockchain-based voting has long been looked at as a use case for the technology – but as with any nascent application, there are bumps along the way.
Do You Trust Politicians? Depends on How You Define Trust
Political scientists have measured the public’s trust in the federal government consistently, using measures that are largely unchanged since the 1960s.
America’s New Voting Machines Bring New Fears Of Election Tampering
By design, tens of millions of votes are cast across America on machines that cannot be audited, where the votes cannot be verified.
The Right Tone May Give Presidential Candidates Final Sway with Voters
Individuals with lower voices are more likely to win and to win a larger vote share,” says University of Miami Associate Professor Casey Klofstad.