Election delays and voter trust
A survey of nearly 10,000 Americans found that election delays cause distrust in the electoral process. Reassuring voters before polls close about normal delays can prevent distrust from taking root.
Elections
Articles tagged with Elections
Election officials can boost voter trust in delayed results with early communication
A study from the University of California - San Diego found that early communication from election officials can reduce voter distrust in delayed results. When voters are informed in advance that counting ballots takes time and security measures are in place, their trust remains steady despite delays. This proactive message can help ma...
Rage clicks: Study shows how political outrage fuels social media engagement
Researchers found a 'confrontation effect' where people are more likely to engage with opposing viewpoints driven by outrage. The study analyzed data from Twitter and Facebook during the 2020 US presidential election, revealing users often react to opposing views with heightened engagement.
Undecided voters are less likely to cast their ballot, study shows
A new study by the University of Exeter finds that undecided voters are 10 points less likely to vote than those with a clear preference. The study suggests that voter turnout improves when people have a partisan identity and pay greater attention to politics.
Team led by UMass Amherst debunks research showing Facebook’s news-feed algorithm curbs election misinformation
A team of researchers from UMass Amherst debunks the idea that Facebook's algorithms successfully filtered out untrustworthy news during the 2020 election. The study found that temporary changes to the algorithm were not accounted for, leading to misperceptions about the platform's reliability.
National political dialogue focused on power and morals
A recent study found that national politics predominantly use abstract, moralized, and power-centric language, lacking local common ground. This shift is thought to fuel partisan animosity and provoke anger.
Spread the love (online): study reveals in-party positivity drives online engagement more than out-party hostility
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that emphasizing positive messages within a party is more effective for political communication on social media, fostering a cohesive and supportive online community. This approach counters the negative effect of out-party hostility, promoting engagement and constructive dialogue.
Leading health-related concerns of older adults before the 2024 election
A nationally representative survey reveals older adults' leading health-related concerns include rising healthcare costs and financial scams. The survey also highlights significant differences in concern levels by gender, political ideology, and demographic groups.
As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
Study: U.S. presidential elections can influence local prosecutor races
A recent study by Binghamton University Political Science Professor Jeffrey L. Yates found that U.S. presidential elections significantly impact local prosecutor races. The researchers analyzed data from the nation's top 200 districts and discovered that incumbent prosecutors with the same party affiliation as a successful president ha...
Those with the biggest biases choose first, according to new math study
A new study using mathematical models found that individuals with strong biases are more likely to make quick decisions, while those with smaller biases take longer to deliberate. The researchers suggest that understanding these patterns can help reveal the mathematics behind human decision-making in complex situations.
The prescription for a healthier democracy
A Rutgers University study suggests that hospitals can play a crucial role in strengthening political inclusion by aiding patients in voter registration. The study found that voters contacted in healthcare settings tend to be more racially and ethnically diverse, and younger, than those reached through traditional registration efforts.
Will social media polls accurately predict the winner of the U.S. presidential election?
Research found social media polls to be biased in terms of content, authorship, and audience. The polls' accuracy is further compromised by the use of bot farms and astroturfing campaigns to manipulate results.
Most US voters agree on basic human values – so is polarization exaggerated?
A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.
After Trump’s election, women of color had more underweight, premature babies, study finds
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley reveals a significant increase in underweight and premature births among non-white women in the US after Trump's election. Black mothers had the largest increases, with about 3,783 fewer infants born underweight if Trump hadn't been elected.
Social media: How algorithms influence election campaigns
A new study reveals significant discrepancies in the effectiveness of political ads on Facebook and Instagram, favoring more extremist groups. Over 70% of parties used user profiling in their ads, and the far-right AfD proved to be the most effective, with ads almost six times more efficient than competitors.
Social media polls deliberately skew political realities of 2016, 2020 US presidential elections, finds research team led by UMass Amherst
Research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst team found that social media polls consistently predicted a landslide election win for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 presidential contests. The polls were predominantly crafted by males with a bias for Trump, and purchasing votes from troll farms was common.
New regulations needed to limit impact of favouritism on country credit ratings
Research by economists at University of East Anglia and others found links between finance ministers and executives at biggest credit ratings agencies associated with higher ratings for countries without these connections, highlighting a conflict-of-interest problem in the credit ratings agency business model.
Election administration performance linked to counties’ economic, racial makeup
A new index reveals that election administration performance varies widely among counties, with lower-performing areas often having greater numbers of low-income people and racial minorities. The study found that urban areas tended to rank lowest on the index, while more affluent counties performed better.
Unpopular political proposals affect electoral outcomes even if not implemented
A study by Simon Gren and Elena Leuschner from the University of Gothenburg analyzed municipal election results in Sweden from 2002 to 2018. They found that voters who lived close to schools threatened with closure were more likely to support the leading party in the next election compared to those living further away.
Ideas that cross international borders may have powerful impact on elections
Simulations suggest small shifts in international ideas can lead to significant changes in country politics. The study found that cross-border influence was a major factor shaping simulated US election outcomes and predicted increased voter turnout through the end of the century.
YouTube’s comments section: Political echo chamber or constructive cross-partisan forum?
A study published in PLOS ONE found that cross-partisan discussions were more common on mainstream news outlets than political vlogs, regardless of political leaning. Neutral news outlets like C-SPAN hosted a balanced number of conservative and liberal comments.
The hidden motive behind U.S. voters' stance on noncitizen voting
A new study by University of Florida researchers finds that U.S. voters are more likely to support granting noncitizens the right to vote locally if it benefits their own party. The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about partisan motivations behind voting rights debates.
‘Zuckerbucks’ did not cost Donald Trump the 2020 election
A new UCLA study led by Daniel Thompson found that COVID-related private funding, including 'Zuckerbucks,' had no substantial effect on the 2020 presidential election outcome. Democratic counties were more likely to apply for grants, but their impact on turnout was minimal.
New findings released from US 2020 Facebook and Instagram election study
Researchers found that taking a break from Facebook and Instagram in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election had little effect on people's political views or negative opinions of opposing parties. However, users who were off Facebook were worse at answering news quiz questions but less likely to fall for misinformation.
AI systems are already skilled at deceiving and manipulating humans
Researchers have found that AI systems, such as Meta's CICERO, can learn to deceive humans in games like Diplomacy and poker, leading to breakthroughs in deceptive AI capabilities. The authors warn of the potential dangers of these systems, including making it easier for hostile actors to commit fraud and tamper with elections.
Study shows a tale of two social media platforms for Donald Trump
A University at Buffalo researcher found that Truth Social was as effective as Twitter in driving news attention for Donald Trump, despite its smaller user base. However, journalists embedded Trump's posts less frequently on Truth Social than on Twitter.
It’s all in the smile: Aston University-led research finds politicians can influence voters with facial expressions
Researchers found that politicians' affiliative smiles increased happiness and affinity in supporters, while reward smiles had a limited effect. The study highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in politics.
Tepper School study reveals voter moral justifications for politicians' misstatements
A recent Tepper School study found that both Republican and Democratic voters provide explicit moral justification for factually inaccurate statements from their preferred politicians. This challenge the notion of partisan voters being solely influenced by laziness or bias, instead revealing a preference for 'fact-flouting' as an effec...
Political ‘color’ affects pollution control spending in the US
A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.
Do opponents’ race, gender, and party impact US congressional fundraising?
Research found female Democrats and non-white male Democrats have a fundraising advantage when running against white male Republicans. Democratic donors give more when their party nominates a white female or non-white male candidate against a white male Democrat.
Your genes may raise your heart attack risk during high-stress times
A new study found that people with high genetic stress sensitivity are more likely to experience heart attacks during stressful periods, such as holidays and elections. Those who also have anxiety or depression are at even higher risk, with their likelihood tripled.
Essays on democracy draw attention to critical threats, explore safeguards ahead of Jan. 6
A collection of essays from leading scholars explores the vulnerabilities in the US democratic system and proposes practical steps to strengthen and safeguard it. The authors examine the rise of fascist politics, divisive rhetoric, and social divisions that threaten American democracy.
Political beliefs shape the way the public interprets history
A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.
Preventing another ‘Jan. 6’ starts by changing how elections are certified, experts say
Researchers propose changing election certification to use independent, nonpartisan commissions to minimize politics' influence. Broad public support exists for this reform, with over 70% of voters supporting its use.
Partisanship influences consumer confidence, spending more than expected
A University of Florida study found that national elections significantly impact consumer sentiment and spending intentions. Floridian consumers exhibit greater confidence about economic conditions when their favored political party is in charge. The research analyzed monthly sentiments data collected by the UF Survey Research Center, ...
Does party affiliation affect consumer sentiment and spending intentions after elections?
A study published in Economic Inquiry found that U.S. party affiliation significantly impacts consumer sentiment, which in turn affects spending intentions. The analysis shows that consumers' attitudes towards personal and national economic conditions change after elections based on their party affiliation.
Americans support democratic norms, elected officials don't
A recent study found that most Americans support democratic norms, with 17.2% of Democrats and 21.6% of Republicans supporting at least one norm violation. However, the researchers also discovered a divide between everyday citizens and elected officials who are pushing against democratic governance.
The majority of Americans do not support anti-democratic behavior, even when elected officials do
A new study found that most Americans reject democratic norm violations and political violence, with only a small percentage supporting them. Researchers also discovered that there is no significant correlation between constituents' opinions and policymakers' actions on election denial.
King Donald – how Trump could become royalty
Historian Dr. Sean Lang suggests that Trump's style of government is an attempt to transform the United States from a democratic presidential system into a monarchy. The talk will examine how republics and their systems can morph into monarchies, with a focus on the US Presidential election.
Infotainment is coming for your news, warns Concordia Ph.D. student Robert Marinov
A new study found that 51% of Canadian newspaper coverage during the 2019 federal election was classified as infotainment, featuring personal foibles and horse races alongside substantive coverage. Infotainment categories include personalization, sensationalization, and decontextualization, with significant impacts on voter information.
Do immigrant deaths at the border influence white and Latinx Americans’ belief in the American dream?
A survey-based study found that exposure to news clips of immigrant deaths decreased white individuals' belief in the American dream, while increasing their views on systemic racism. In contrast, Latinx individuals increased their belief in the American dream and decreased their beliefs in systematic racism.
Are American voters really as polarized as they seem? Rice research suggests yes
A new study by Rice University researchers found that mainstream Americans are feeling increasingly polarized, despite a decline in survey response rates. The study used the General Social Survey to gauge polarization and found that people's negative feelings toward the other party have increased over time.
Influence of voting advice web tools is limited during elections with authoritarian candidates, study shows
A new study published in Electoral Studies found that voting advice applications have short-term effects on voter attitudes and choices in competitive authoritarian regimes. However, these effects are relatively small and dissipate within two months, limiting their practical value in such contexts.
Political polarization may slow legislation, make higher-stakes laws likelier
Researchers found that increased polarization in Congress leads to longer periods of stasis and fewer bills passed, but the ones that do pass are larger and more impactful. This dynamics has become exaggerated, making it harder to change the status quo, resulting in bigger changes when they occur.
Disinformation can reinforce polarization in society
New research from Aalto University reveals how disinformation and conspiracy theories persist despite external threats, bridging partisan divides only when shared democratic norms are condemned. The study found that social bubbles built on disinformation can be difficult to break, even in the face of dramatic events.
Predicting and controlling bad-actor AI activity in a year of global elections
A new study by George Washington University researchers predicts an escalation of daily bad-actor AI activity globally by mid-2024, posing a significant threat to election results. The study provides the first quantitative analysis of the misuse of AI for disinformation during elections.
Non-sectarian parties improve democracy and social stability, study says
Non-sectarian political parties promote moderation and cooperation between single-issue parties in divided societies. They help represent voter concerns by focusing on key issues that affect diverse groups.
News media trigger conflict for romantic couples with differing political views
A study by University of Illinois professor Emily Van Duyn found that news media consumption can trigger conflicts in couples with differing political views. Couples often struggle to decide which media to follow, leading to disagreements over news sources and content. This conflict can also affect the relationship, causing individuals...
Minority candidates – including women and LGBTQ2S+ – in federal elections are positioned to be sacrificial lambs
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that minority candidates, particularly women and LGBTQ2S+, are more likely to be positioned by parties to lose elections. The research highlights the need for political parties to adopt more inclusive nomination processes.
ACP says barriers to participating in the electoral process must be removed
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends removing barriers to participating in the electoral process to advance health equity. ACP supports policies ensuring safe and equitable access to voting, opposes partisan gerrymandering, and encourages civic participation among healthcare professionals.
Feelings of impatience evolve over time, study says
A new study explores the intensity of impatient emotion during different phases of a waiting period. The research found that people experience the highest levels of impatience as the end of the wait approaches, driven by their desire for closure.
Public opinion polls may not be as straightforward as you think
A new study on the role of polls in South Korea highlights the limitations of polling in a democratic society. The research finds that technology, methodology, intentions, and reporting can affect poll results, leading to a social construction of public opinion influenced by pollsters and media.
Social media influencers may affect more than voter opinions
Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.
Female MP pioneers lost unique appeal to voters because of increasing party control over campaigning, study shows
Research suggests that early women parliamentary candidates struggled to make distinct appeals as parties increasingly controlled campaigning. The study examines how mass observation surveys and election addresses reveal the challenges faced by female politicians during the early decades of mass democracy.
Game performance of immigrant NBA players might suffer in context of far-right political support
Researchers analyzed data from the 2020-2021 NBA season to investigate how far-right views impact immigrant workplace performance. They found that immigrant players in regions with strong Trump support were more likely to make game errors, while native players in these areas performed better.
Political rhetoric changes views on democratic principles, study finds
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to norm-violating rhetoric from politicians like Donald Trump can reduce support for certain core democratic principles. The researchers found that Trump supporters who were shown his antidemocratic tweets indicated less support for partici...
Can public financing for political campaigns affect voter participation?
Research in Seattle's Democracy Vouchers program found a significant increase in voter turnout, with candidates relying more on small contributions. The study suggests that public financing programs can help address problems of low voter turnout and disproportionate influence of big donors.
Combating distrust online: New GW study explains why current messaging efforts may not be effective
Current online trust mitigation efforts are focused on a single topic and geographic scale, leading to limited effectiveness. The 'glocal' phenomenon means distrust is spreading with diverse topics and local-global interests, making it challenging for organizations to address.
Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, policies contributed to decline in preventive healthcare visits among children of immigrants
A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.