Civics 101
Why ballot design matters
May 14, 2024
Dan Cassino from Farleigh Dickinson University and Josh Pasek from the University of Michigan discuss the history of ballot design, the 2000 ballot fiasco, and how some ballots still favor a candidate or party. They explore voting methods, ballot security, and the impact of design on election results and voter behavior
33:04
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Quick takeaways
- Ballot design significantly influences voter choices through candidate positioning on the ballot, potentially favoring certain candidates.
- Uniformity in ballot design and counting procedures is crucial for maintaining the integrity of democracy and upholding fair election practices.
Deep dives
Evolution of Voting Systems in America
Voting systems in the US evolved from public Viva Voche voting to printed ballots by political parties. Early systems included dropping balls in barrels with each candidate's name, leading to the term 'ballot' from the Italian 'palote,' meaning a little ball. Viva Voche voting required voters to publicly announce their choices, creating transparency but also risking intimidation and coercion.
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