Articles tagged with Elections
New NIST report explores electronic technologies for overseas voting, highlighting potential risks and control measures. The report suggests that postal mail can be augmented with electronic methods to distribute blank ballots, but transmission of completed ballots via telephone, e-mail, and the Web faces significant security threats.
A recent mini-symposium in Political Research Quarterly explores the critical role of race in shaping US political history. The studies reveal how and why racial factors have influenced major developments, including debates over slavery and internal improvements.
A University of Maryland researcher warns that voter mistakes can affect election outcomes, with even simple errors leading to three percent of incorrect votes. Experts recommend taking precautions like bringing marked-up sample ballots and carefully reviewing the review screen to minimize errors.
Seven in ten registered voters say major changes are needed in the U.S. health care system, according to a Kaiser/Harvard survey of registered voters in September. The public's perceptions of the state of American health care and the role of health care as an election issue are also explored.
A Caltech-led study found that voters' brain responses to politicians' appearances, particularly negative aspects, play a significant role in determining election outcomes. The research suggests that negative evaluations based on appearance may influence which candidate will lose an election, more so than positive evaluations.
A Kent State University study shows that voters' trust in elections increases when they interact with fresh faces at polling places. The research team found that voters gave higher marks to precincts staffed by new poll workers recruited from local schools and businesses, suggesting a positive impact on voter confidence.
Most presidential election forecasts predict Senator Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 popular vote, with an average of 52% predicted. The forecasts, developed by nine different models, use various statistical and historical data to make their predictions.
Researchers found that uninformed voters respond to abstract messages when voting far in the future, while concrete messages sway them when the choice is near. This effect applies to various consumption contexts like college decisions or car purchases.
Researchers have developed a new, animated, and interactive way to analyze opinion data using radial charts that change in real time as users ask questions. The software is designed to make it easy for news reporters and citizens to easily visualize poll results by demographic characteristics.
A new approach uses lessons from the 2004 election and factors in state polling data, undecided voters, and 'safe' states. The model predicts a margin of up to 282.8 electoral votes for McCain against 255.2 for Obama.
The contest aimed to raise public awareness of pressing science issues, such as climate change and renewable energy. Young voters submitted essays, videos, and audio entries highlighting their preferred science issues for the next U.S. president and Congress to tackle.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario developed a method to tap into automatic mental associations of undecided individuals, predicting their future decisions on controversial issues. The implicit association test was used to analyze participants' responses, showing significant correlations between initial and final beliefs.
A study by Yale researchers found that prediction markets are a strong tool for forecasting US presidential elections. The authors analyzed the 2004 election market and found that traders quickly assimilated new information as it unfolded over the campaign, indicating their ability to accurately predict outcomes.
A study by University of Minnesota researcher Akshay Rao found that the timing and content of political messages affect voters, with abstract concepts gaining traction in distant future elections. As election dates approach, voters prioritize concrete details over broad ideas.
A new study reveals that increased campaign spending significantly improves citizen participation in State Supreme Court elections. The research, published in the American Journal of Political Science, found that greater spending facilitates voting and strengthens the connection between citizens and courts.
A new study in Political Psychology reveals that people's future voting decisions are influenced by their unconscious automatic mental associations. Researchers found a clear relation between implicit attitudes and subsequent voting behavior, with undecided voters' automatic preferences predicting their vote four weeks later.
A new study by University of Illinois economists finds that media bias can influence voters' decisions, with conservative and liberal outlets favoring their respective candidates. Selective reporting can lead to incomplete information, causing mistakes at the polls.
A special issue of International Journal of Forecasting explores various election forecasting models, including those using political futures markets and historical analysis. Researchers discuss the importance of campaign effects and the limitations of predicting outcomes without an incumbent candidate.
Research by Professor Adam Galinsky and colleagues reveals that legitimate power leads to increased action, while illegitimate power motivates resistance. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of power dynamics and behavior.
Researchers Dekel, Jackson, and Wolinsky analyze the economics of election year promises, finding that direct vote buying involves lower costs, while campaign promises lead to higher payments for voters. The study provides insight into election strategy and its economic implications.
Seven IARC candidate names are publicly disclosed for the first time, sparking concerns over lack of transparency in the election process. The absence of a Search Committee and Scientific Council raises questions about bias and credibility.
Research found no significant gender gap supporting female candidates, with voters' decisions influenced by the candidate's policies and information rather than their gender. The study suggests women are more likely to support female candidates but evaluated similarly to male candidates based on personal and political considerations.
A large-scale field experiment shows that social pressure from mailings increases voter turnout, with effects rivaling face-to-face contact and live phone calls. The study suggests that mailings with social pressure are a cost-efficient way to boost voter turnout.
The organization has launched a non-partisan resource to educate young voters on science, technology, and health issues, providing platforms of leading political candidates on these subjects. The guide explores various issues, including peace, energy, and emerging technologies, engaging students through interactive technologies.
The new voting system in Cuyahoga County has serious flaws, including a lack of review screens to catch mistakes and potential security problems. Researchers warn voters to be careful and review their ballots closely to avoid errors.
A new study by University of Minnesota professor Paul Vaaler reveals that foreign investors respond to shifting partisan political tides during election years in emerging-market countries. When the likely swing is to the right-wing, foreign investment projects increase, while left-wing swings lead to a decrease in new investments.
The US Senate Special Committee on Aging heard a call to develop mobile polling to improve access to voting for older Americans, who face significant barriers due to geographical distances and lack of transportation. Dr. Jason Karlawish recommends using mobile polling to encourage registrations and assist with voting at long-term care ...
A new study by the University of Maryland and colleagues found that touch screen voting systems are easy to use and pass voter confidence tests, but voters still make mistakes and need help. The study recommends improving ballot design, training, and educational campaigns to enhance user-friendliness.
Researchers found that consumers experience greater conflict and decision difficulty when choosing between unattractive options, but easier times rejecting them. This suggests that changing the decision task can control the level of difficulty experienced.
A new study by Brown University finds that voter ID requirements in the US are associated with lower levels of political participation, especially among minority groups. The research also reveals that these policies can discourage legal immigrants from becoming citizens, particularly among blacks and Hispanics.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that subliminal exposure to a national flag image can moderate political attitudes, voting intentions, and actual voting in general elections. The studies showed that participants exposed to the subliminal message tended to adopt more centrist views and voted for central parties.
A new study by political scientists found that early voting measures have a negligible or negative impact on voter turnout. The study assessed three primary means of early voting and found that they result in a more accurate count, but do not increase turnout.
Michael Rosbash, a Brandeis University professor, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to understanding RNA splicing and circadian rhythms. This year, 471 members have been awarded the honor by AAAS due to their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts.
A Princeton University study reveals that quick facial judgments can accurately predict real-world election returns, with a rapid appraisal of two candidates' faces sufficient to predict the winner in about 70 percent of U.S. senator and state governor races in 2006 elections.
A new study published in Psychological Science found strong support for consensus among instant runoff and three classic voting methods: Condorcet, Borda count, and Plurality. This contradicts past research that highlighted worst-case scenarios and the mathematical impossibility of a single universally 'best' election method.
Research suggests that anti-war activists are divided between supporting the Democratic Party and others, potentially complicating their electoral prospects. The study found that grassroots activists support the Democrats at a rate of around 40%, while non-Democratic activists work with organizations like United for Peace and Justice.
Research by John Jost suggests situational and dispositional variables affect ideological leanings, leading to conservative vs. progressive leaders and opinions. Current political realities and data from the American National Election Studies support this finding.
A study of physician voter turnout found that only lawyers and farmers were more likely to vote than physicians, who reported similar rates to secretaries, waiters, drivers, laborers, nurses, and engineers
Brandeis University professors Eve Marder and Chris Miller have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their outstanding research achievements. This honor brings Brandeis' total NAS membership to ten, reflecting the university's strong commitment to scientific excellence.
The 2007 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award was awarded to Professor George Georgiou for his groundbreaking contributions to protein engineering, protein-based therapeutics, and fundamental understanding of protein biogenesis. He has also made significant discoveries in RNA degradation, oxidative protein folding, and protein secretion.
A new study challenges the notion of deep societal divisions in Mexico following the 2006 presidential election. The research suggests that elite-level politics are more polarized than ever, while mass voting patterns reveal moderation and a lack of clear divisions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of Mexican democracy.
The Lancet calls out false allegations against Julio Frenk, Margaret Chan, and Elena Salgado, who are running for WHO Director-General. Frenk's tobacco control record is highlighted as a priority in Mexico.
A Harvard study analyzing national opinion surveys found that health care is unlikely to determine the outcome of the November 7 congressional elections. However, certain health care issues such as health care costs and access to care for the uninsured are more salient in individual congressional races.
As part of the 'Vote and Vax' initiative, flu vaccine clinics will be stationed next to polling sites in 26 communities nationwide, targeting areas with low flu shot delivery rates. The program aims to increase flu vaccination among Americans aged 50+, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Researchers found that daytime talk shows increased politically inattentive voters' likelihood of voting according to their own values and preferences by nearly 25% compared to those who didn't watch daytime television. The study highlights the significant impact of 'soft news' coverage on voting behavior.
The People's Health Movement urges transparent selection of WHO Director-General amid concerns about corporate influence and inadequate funding. Candidates' profiles and responses to public questions will facilitate a more open examination of their strengths and weaknesses.
A new study found that using a visual imagery technique, specifically picturing oneself as an outsider, can significantly boost voter turnout. The technique, which involves viewing oneself from a third-person perspective, increased voter participation rates by up to 90%, compared to those who took a first-person viewpoint.
Richard Horton states that Julio Frenk has technical competence and administrative skills for the role. He is considered a front-runner due to his vision for WHO's revitalisation as a global public-health agency.
The Lancet has published profiles of the 13 WHO Director-General election candidates, highlighting their relevant experience and achievements. The journal will continue to follow the campaign and publish detailed statements from the candidates on its website.
Recent studies examine voting gaps in America, finding significant differences in support for George W. Bush based on race, ethnicity, religion, class, region, gender, age, and education. The research also explores the impact of class divisions, the religion gap, and the urban-rural divide.
A new study by the University of Liverpool reveals that unelected agencies control up to 60% of public spending in local authority areas. The report highlights the need for a revival of local democracy, aided but not driven by central government.
The new ACM report outlines best practices for managing voter registration databases to prevent hacking attacks, massive failures, severe privacy violations, and erosion of confidence. The guidelines aim to ensure the reliability and usability of voter databases by adopting transparent policies, setting clear accountabilities, establis...
Researchers found that participants who were primed with thoughts of death were more likely to vote for John Kerry, while those who thought about their own mortality were more likely to support George W. Bush. The study suggests that mortality salience can influence political preference and worldview defense mechanisms.
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBO) has elected 40 outstanding researchers to its membership. The selected scientists are recognized for their groundbreaking work in the life sciences disciplines. They will provide valuable scientific input to the organization, maintaining EMBO's high standards of excellence.
A Dartmouth professor warns that GIS technology can be used to manipulate election results, as state legislatures have incentives to use partisan information but few incentives to respect communities of interest. Nonpartisan redistricting commissions may offer a solution, but clear rules are needed to ensure fair representation.
According to Campbell, increased voter turnout was a key factor in the 2004 Republican victory. Nearly 60% of eligible voters participated, with competitive states experiencing higher turnout rates. The study also notes that party polarization and incumbent advantage will play significant roles in the 2008 election.
The Johns Hopkins-led ACCURATE center will investigate electronic voting technology, public policy issues, and human behavior in the context of e-voting, seeking to improve the integrity and trustworthiness of the US electoral process. The center's research aims to develop technical standards for secure and accessible e-voting systems.
The NSF-funded ACCURATE center brings together experts to tackle the challenges of integrating technology into the voting process. Researchers will focus on building more reliable software and hardware, as well as exploring human factors and usability issues in e-voting systems.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is establishing a program to accredit voting system test labs, which will be part of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP accreditation is a prerequisite for laboratories to be considered as Voting System Test and Certification Authorities (VSTC...
The UK's low election turnout reflects the failure of politicians to inspire trust, communicate clear policy platforms, and reach out to habitual non-voters. The problem is not with voters' interest in politics, but with their capacity to mobilize those least interested to turn out.