Revisionist History

The Powerball Revolution

Jul 2, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Adam Cronkright, a political activist known for his innovative reforms in Bolivia's student council election process, shares his journey of transforming voting systems. He reveals how a lottery system can enhance student participation and efficiency in elections. The conversation dives into the challenges of traditional electoral methods, critiques biases in decision-making, and even considers the potential application of similar systems in college admissions. It's a fresh take on democracy through the eyes of students.
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ANECDOTE

Adam's Journey to Bolivia

  • Adam Cronkright, inspired by a Bolivian activist, sought to improve democratic processes.
  • His journey led him from Occupy Wall Street to Cochabamba, where he began testing his ideas.
INSIGHT

Democratic Lotteries

  • Cronkright introduced democratic lotteries to select student councils, eliminating campaigning.
  • Students drew colored beans, with purple signifying a win, making the process quick and transparent.
INSIGHT

Elections Discourage Participation

  • Cronkright observed that traditional elections discourage participation due to campaign demands.
  • Many students willing to serve wouldn't run, highlighting a flaw in conventional democracy.
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