America: A History Podcast

How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II

Listen on

Episode notes

In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election.

Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for representation and transparency while dissecting the role of technology in contemporary electoral campaigns.

We also address the looming specter of election interference, citing historical instances such as the 2016 and 2020 elections, and the ongoing threats faced in the upcoming 2024 election, and the impact misinformation and disinformation campaigns—both domestic and foreign—can have in undermining voter confidence, and affecting the democratic process.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma…
  • Dr. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy, and how cybersecurity can be used as a tool for diplomacy.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The integrity of elections in the US is threatened by misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
  • Electoral processes vary significantly by state, affecting voter registration and participation rates.
  • Youth engagement in politics has increased, but not all demographics are equally reached.
  • Election interference can undermine public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process.
  • The complexity of voting regulations can disenfranchise minority groups and lower-income individuals.
  • Technological solutions for voting could introduce new vulnerabilities, affecting election integrity.

...

Additional Resources:

https://constitutioncenter.org/education/election-resources

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.