Articles tagged with Elections
A physics-inspired model suggests that spending above $1.8 million in US House races leads to increased polarization without changing the election outcome. Below this threshold, social dynamics shape outcomes, while higher spending only deepens polarization.
According to a recent study, about half of the US population expresses democratic neutrality, which can enable antidemocratic outcomes. This neutrality is concerning as it can be associated with authoritarianism, tolerance of norm violations, extremism, distrust, and obscuring antidemocratic views.
The UCI-OC Poll reveals nearly two-thirds of Orange County residents view Trump negatively, while Newsom fares only marginally better. A surge in independent support suggests a broader mood of pessimism and uncertainty, with voters hesitant to settle on their choices.
Research suggests that cost of living and male job dissatisfaction played a major role in Europe's populist surge. Financial insecurity emerged as the strongest predictor of an anti-elite outlook, increasing the chances of voting populist by 17-20 percentage points.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
Researchers propose a strategy that encourages individuals to adopt a neutral stance, allowing groups to become more responsive, decisions to become easier to reach, and shifts in consensus to happen smoothly. By doing so, neutrality creates valuable breathing space for reassessment, making it easier for a group to change its mind when...
A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.
A new study found that Texas' migrant busing program, which transported immigrants to Democratic-led cities, contributed to President Trump's increased vote share in affected counties during the 2024 election. The study also highlights the enduring power of perceived threats from racial minorities in shaping voting decisions.
Governance scholar Christopher Koliba argues that the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 US elections led to a transgression of democratic accountability standards. The two crises undermined reason and truthfulness, forbearance toward democratic institutions, and professional discretion.
LGB individuals vote more when living near other LGB people, with a 1.56 percentage point increase in voter turnout for every one percentage point increase in local LGB population density. This study, conducted in Sweden, tracked over 20,000 LGB individuals and nearly eight million heterosexual peers across four parliamentary elections.
A recent study by the University of York found that UK polling clerks made mistakes in 36% of cases when tested with real ID documents. The findings challenge the assumption that human checks are a reliable barrier against voter fraud, highlighting the need for improved training methods and alternative security measures.
A Rutgers Health study reveals increased intentions to purchase firearms and carry them among specific groups following the 2024 presidential election. Liberal beliefs are associated with greater impulses to carry firearms and store them more accessibly.
Researchers warn that AI-controlled personas, mimicking humans, can tilt elections through coordinated narratives and persuasive messages. The next election may be the proving ground for this technology, threatening democratic discourse.
A new study from Northwestern University found that economic insecurity substantially declines support for democratic principles, even among those who claim strong support. The study's findings suggest that messaging focused on abstract democratic ideals may not resonate with voters unless tied to economic concerns.
A study published in The BMJ found a 25% decline in diversity language in NIH grants from January 2024 to June 2025. Researchers analyzed 17,701 grants and found that words related to diversity, equity, and politics were deleted at a 10-fold higher rate in 2025.
A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.
A new study by UMass Amherst and Brennan Center researchers found that mass shootings increase local voter turnout, particularly in Democratic areas, but have no effect on presidential vote choices. Turnout surged by up to 10 percentage points in neighborhoods near shootings.
Research suggests that voting participation is strongly associated with reduced mortality risk compared to non-voter status. This association holds true even after adjusting for education level, indicating that voting may be a stronger predictor of future death risk than education.
A new study based on responses from 5,500 people in Germany and the UK found that European voters overwhelmingly reject imposing trade tariffs. Despite being asked to support green investments and respond to Donald Trump's new trade policies, participants preferred other economic solutions over tariffs.
A new study by Cambridge University Press reveals that small business owners are more likely to identify with and vote for right-wing parties. The research suggests that the experience of running a business leads people to adopt conservative views on government regulation.
A new study found that warning voters about false claims and providing them with information on election security measures can increase confidence in the results. In the US and Brazil, prebunking was more effective than credible sources in decreasing beliefs about election fraud.
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
A UCR-led study found that partisan gerrymandering undermines public faith in elections, leading to disillusionment and erosion of civic behavior. The research connects gerrymandering to broader perceptions of corruption, suggesting that even if a party wins, the victory can feel hollow due to perceived manipulation.
A new open-access database, CampaignView, has been created to understand congressional elections. The database contains the biographies of over 5,000 major-party candidates who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives between 2018 and 2022.
Research reveals female candidates are less likely to receive media coverage and have fewer retweets than male counterparts. To overcome the gender penalty, experts argue that women need to invest more resources and skills in their campaigns.
Researchers found that voting behavior did not significantly change despite suspension of rights like freedom of assembly and movement. The estimated drop in vote share was between 0.8 and 1.7 percentage points, statistically insignificant.
Research finds women politicians face harsher judgments when deviating from party expectations or policy stances. Voters scrutinize women candidates more intensely, especially when they diverge from party views, leading to greater uncertainty and skepticism.
Research finds that migrants living in cities with restrictive voting rights and favorable public opinion towards immigrants participate more frequently in protests. Perceived discrimination increases protest likelihood, while supportive public opinion lowers social and political risks.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that youth volunteering encourages young men from disengaged homes to vote for the first time. However, this effect is not observed for young women from similar backgrounds. Volunteering effectively reduces socio-economic inequalities in voter turnout among young people.
A new global report highlights concerns about the state of democracy, with major democracies like the UK and US experiencing declines in electoral quality. Iceland tops the leader board for democracy, but experts warn that countries like Mexico, Indonesia and Russia are struggling with election integrity.
Researchers propose a solution to partisan gerrymandering by identifying values to preserve, such as fair representation for minority groups and majority rule. They developed tools to detect violations of these principles, highlighting the complexity of addressing this issue.
A study found that journalism engagement training reduced the prevalence of 'horse race' stories and boosted more substantive, community-oriented content. The training program, Democracy SOS, worked with journalists and news outlets across the country to promote solutions-focused coverage and increase transparency.
David Niven, a University of Cincinnati political scientist, has been awarded a $200,000 Andrew Carnegie Corporation fellowship to investigate the American polling system. His research aims to analyze how voters' experiences at the polls impact their views on voting.
The ISSCR has elected new Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and Directors to lead the organization. Fiona Doetsch, Lee Rubin, and Megan Munsie bring expertise in neural stem cells, iPSCs, and developmental biology to their new roles.
A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.
A study published in Political Science Research & Method found that around one in six people falsely recall the party affiliation of a politician, with those who admire a hero more likely to see it as their own party. Researchers say this projection could be fuelling polarisation in politics.
Researchers at Annenberg Public Policy Center found that using 'I Will Vote' stickers significantly enhances voting intentions and attitudes towards voting. The study suggests that a future-oriented perspective promotes thoughts about outcomes and planning, strengthening citizens' capacity to successfully perform the intended behavior.
The 2025 Academic Freedom Index reveals that eight countries have higher academic freedom, while 34 countries have declined. Anti-pluralist parties' electoral success is linked to lower academic freedom, particularly when they join the government.
A study found that consumer confidence in organizations using health data responsibly remained unchanged from 2020 to 2022. However, there was an increase in polarization between liberal and conservative respondents, with liberals showing increased trust in the federal government's handling of digital health data.
A study from Waseda University found that Japan's Stewardship Code amendment encouraged institutional investors to disclose their voting records, leading to increased shareholder dissent in director elections. Domestic investors were more likely to react than foreign investors, with dissent strongest against underperforming directors.
Researchers analyzed census data from 1980-2020 to assess the effect of undocumented residents on congressional apportionment. Their findings indicate a minimal impact on party representation in the House and presidential election outcomes.
A new study from the University of Surrey finds that Trump's election victory led to significant abnormal returns in stock prices, particularly among small-cap firms and energy sectors. The research highlights the complex landscape of investor responses to major political events, with both optimism and fear driving market dynamics.
A study analyzing 4 million Facebook posts found right-leaning outlets engaged more on politics, religion, and migration, while left-leaning groups focused on education, health, and technology. The research highlights the influence of social media on public opinion during a major election year.
Research by PLOS found that labor market immigrants in Germany are less likely to choose their preferred region of residence when faced with stronger xenophobic attitudes. This suggests that hostile environments may discourage migrants from choosing areas they would prefer.
The University of Ottawa's AI + Society Initiative proposes a roadmap for protecting democracies in the age of AI, addressing challenges posed by fake news and deepfakes. Four priority actions aim to support institutions against AI interference on elections and democratic processes.
PolitiFi, a new form of meme coin cryptocurrency inspired by internet culture and humour, was explicitly affiliated with political candidates in the 2024 US elections. The coins helped shape narratives, enhance visibility, and boost political engagement among voters in the cryptosphere.
Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, has been elected as the President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the 2025 term, aiming to enhance data quality, support innovative studies, and provide cutting-edge training for cardiothoracic surgeons.
Financial contributions to immigrant-serving legal aid nonprofits increased by 4-11 percentage points during the 2016 election and 8-17 percentage points through 2019. This surge in funding helped these organizations adapt to anti-immigrant policies and position themselves as important safeguards for immigrant communities.
A new megastudy tested 25 treatments to reduce partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes. The research found that 23 of the 25 efforts led to statistically significant reductions in partisan animosity. While the effects were not huge, they suggest it is possible to mitigate some of these issues.
A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.
A new survey by Tel-Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center reveals that 57.8% of Arab Israelis believe the ongoing war has fostered a sense of shared destiny between Arabs and Jews in Israel. This is a statistically significant shift from previous surveys, indicating a positive trend towards coexistence.
A new book analyzes data from 48 US states from 2008 to 2016, finding that election costs vary significantly across states and regions. The authors also found that trust in election spending is associated with how much is spent, and that a one-size-fits-all approach to legislation does not apply to election administration.
A majority of US adults (72%) hope to avoid discussing politics with family over the holidays, citing stress and disagreements. Younger adults are more likely to avoid family gatherings altogether, while many value meaningful relationships over political discussions.
A new paper reveals widespread transnational human rights violations (THRVs) due to repressive states' intensifying tactics. The authors urge the establishment of 'Transnational Rights Protection Offices' to provide support and guidance for individuals affected by these actions.
A new book by Dr Merten Reglitz proposes a human right to free internet access, including protections against government censorship and surveillance. The research argues that governments should provide guaranteed access to the internet with sufficient quality to meet basic human rights needs.
A recent study surveyed over 1,000 English-dominant, bilingual, and Spanish-dominant Latino users of Facebook and Instagram in the US. Latinos who use Spanish-language social media for news were found to be more susceptible to false political narratives, with a 11 percentage point increase in belief in these claims.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
New Cornell University-led research finds that combining two simple tools can improve people's ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, suggesting a combined approach could be more effective in combating election misinformation.
A recent Maryland poll found Angela Alsobrooks (D) leading Larry Hogan (R) in the U.S. Senate race and a strong majority supporting an amendment to guarantee reproductive freedom. The poll also shows Kamala Harris (D) holding a significant lead over Donald Trump (R), with abortion services ranking as a top issue for voters.