Condensed Election Periods and Democratic Engagement

Shorter election periods in other democracies, such as Canada and France, encourage candidates to engage with the public and the media through debates and discussions on pressing issues. In contrast, the extended election cycle in the United States leads to a lack of accountability, as candidates can avoid tough questions for extended periods. For example, there is noted criticism regarding Kamala Harris's infrequent press conferences, which raises concerns about the expectations placed on candidates in the U.S. Without the pressure of a condensed timeline, politicians may prioritize media coverage that highlights positive aspects rather than addressing substantial policy questions, impacting democratic engagement.