Articles tagged with Elections
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 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 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 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.
A study by Brandeis University researchers found that baby-faced individuals are often perceived as less competent than those with more mature features. Babyfaced adults, regardless of sex or ethnicity, share characteristics such as a round face, large eyes, and small chin, which can lead to overgeneralization and perceptions of naivet...
Tom Curran, a prominent cancer researcher, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society. His work on molecular oncology and neurobiology has made significant impacts on our understanding of brain cancers and gene regulation.
The Lancet editorial highlights UK politicians' failure to address low morale among doctors, resulting in compromised patient care and a massively over-managed health service. Doctors seek a stronger political voice focused on augmenting professional standards, but no such voice exists currently.
Research finds that women who head households tend to support Democratic candidates, even in close races. This shift occurs when women become economically independent from men and develop their own perspectives.
Expert analysis highlights the challenges of post-conflict elections, citing cases where ill-timed or poorly designed elections can exacerbate existing tensions. The book examines UN's role in promoting democracy and explores the importance of timing, election mechanics, and political parties.
The AAAS expert panel emphasizes the need for new scientific research to improve voting performance, focusing on technologies, voters' knowledge and behavior, election administration, and accountability mechanisms. This research will help ensure maximum voter participation, trust, and integrity while guaranteeing privacy.
A study found that in the post-9/11 era, voters tend to favor male candidates over women, perceiving them as more competent on issues like military crises and foreign policy. This shift is attributed to the war atmosphere and its impact on voter perceptions.
A study by the University of Washington found that late-night comedy viewership had a significant impact on George W. Bush's favorability rating during the 2000 presidential campaign. The study, known as the 'Letterman Effect,' showed that Bush's ratings increased among late-night viewers after appearing on David Letterman's show.
Experts argue that electronic voting machines should print a paper copy of the ballot, allowing voters to inspect and verify their votes. The push for a 'voter-verifiable paper audit trail' aims to prevent machine errors and ensure election integrity.
Researchers found that media coverage plays a significant role in shaping voting intentions, with 26% of undecided voters switching parties. Additionally, men generally decide their party preference prior to the campaign, while women and young people make up their minds during the campaign.
A study published by the American Sociological Association finds that campaign contributions and lobbying have limited impact on policy, with party lines and ideology playing a greater role. The average PAC donation to candidates is $1,700, which is not enough to win significant influence.
A study by Kevin Arceneaux found that people facing economic adversity are more likely to vote when they blame the government for economic outcomes. The opposition party must convince voters that the current administration is at fault during times of economic hardship.
A study by Lancaster University found that strong local campaigns significantly increase constituency turnout and results in marginal seats. Campaign intensity was key to Labour's success, with their targeted efforts leading to higher turnouts in target seats.
A new study by Ohio State University found that Republicans who frequently engage in political debates with others who share their views tend to have a more balanced perception of media bias. In contrast, Democrats' perceptions of media bias do not differ based on who they talk to. The study suggests that conversational contacts influe...
Researchers found that 84% of candidate websites facilitated voter involvement, with 21% offering additional features like e-cards and email lists. This shift towards more interactive websites enables supporters to become vocal advocates, potentially changing the outcome of elections.
Breaux proposes extending coverage to all Americans through a basic health insurance plan with premium subsidies for low-income families. He also hopes the Senate will debate competitive Medicare modernization proposals, citing increased chances of passage due to Sen. Bill Frist's elevation to majority leader.
Research suggests that felons and ex-felons could have voted differently in several presidential elections, including the 2000 Bush vs. Gore election, which might have reversed the outcome. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects working-class poor and African Americans, traditionally voting Democratic.
A joint campaign between The Lancet and the Rockefeller Foundation aims to highlight critical issues in WHO's Director-General election, including a pressing need for leadership, funding reform, and prioritizing global health equity. The campaign seeks responses from candidates on key questions and calls for public scrutiny and debate.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that voter registration rolls are grossly inaccurate in many US states, with 32 states having counties with more registered voters than eligible voters. The problem is caused by a dysfunctionally decentralized election system and can lead to voting fraud.
The WHO election process will be covered in a Special Report by The Lancet, providing information on the organisational structure and history of WHO. Readers can share their comments on international health through an email address on The Lancet's website.
A cognitive psychologist at Brookhaven Lab provides guidance on designing voting systems that minimize human error and facilitate accurate understanding. The expert's recommendations include organizing information in a consistent manner, providing clear instructions, and allowing voters to control the pace of their use.
Researchers propose innovative forecasting techniques using futures markets and alternative polling approaches to predict presidential election outcomes. The methods aim to improve accuracy and stability in predicting the popular vote and electoral college votes.
A study published in 1998 found that candidates received an average of 2.33% more votes when their names appeared first on the ballots. In Florida, Bush's name at the top of the ballot likely contributed to his win, particularly with less-than-1,000-vote difference between Gore and Bush.
A study suggests that people are more likely to vote if they actively dislike a presidential candidate, but only if there is a preferred candidate to support. The research, based on nationwide survey data from 1972 to 1988, found that voters form impressions about candidates similarly to those in other areas of life.
Donald Saari's research on voting paradoxes and weighted voting systems has shown that simple plurality voting can produce misleading results. He suggests using the 'Borda count' system, which assigns weighted votes for each candidate, to better reflect voters' true wishes in elections.
A study by Columbia University statistics professor Andrew Gelman and colleagues found that small-state voters have a higher probability of affecting the outcome of presidential races due to the electoral college system. In close national elections, vote tallies in politically balanced states are more likely to determine the outcome.
A new study by Ohio State University found that U.S. House members who collect high amounts of campaign funds reduce the likelihood of a quality challenger entering the race by 16%. The study analyzed 397 races in 1990 and showed how incumbents' fundraising can discourage challengers.