Past Present Future Fixing Democracy: How to Stop Election Rigging
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Sep 24, 2025 Join political scientist Nic Cheeseman as he delves into the murky waters of election rigging worldwide. He discusses how modern technology both aids and undermines fair voting. Cheeseman highlights examples of ballot tampering in Africa and the nuances of media bias and vote buying. He explains why authoritarian leaders prefer manipulated elections, the critical role of electoral commissions, and the unique vulnerabilities of U.S. elections. With insights on global voter suppression, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about electoral integrity.
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Elections Exist On A Spectrum
- Elections sit on a spectrum from fully rigged to mostly free, with many falling in the middle.
- Rigging means systematic, illegitimate manipulation rather than incumbents' normal advantages.
Physical Ballot Tampering Persists
- Crude ballot tampering still occurs today, often caught on social media as physical alterations to result sheets.
- Such evidence can reveal manipulation by showing inconsistent tallies and shifted digits.
Elections Help Divide Opposition
- Autocrats hold elections because they divide and rule the opposition and gain legitimacy, not just to lose power.
- Elections force opposition groups to compete, often fragmenting united movements.