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Using Fair Processes to Make Decisions When When Win-Lose Choices Are Unavoidable
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BI Article
Elections
Elections are a cornerstone of democracy and, hence, figure prominently in democratization efforts around the world. This essay explores different electoral systems, elections in post-conflict situations, and the role of the international community in election monitoring.
BI Article
Election Monitoring
Elections are a key component of democratization. Timing and credibility are critical however. This essay examines both and explores the use of election monitors as an approach to ensuring the integrity of the elections.
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Electoral Processes
Electoral processes have been widely challenged with charges of gerrymandering, voter suppression, illegitimate voters, erroneous counting, and unfair (though legal) procedures (such as the U.S. electoral college which sometimes allows a candidate who lost the popular vote still win the presidential election).
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Preserve Electoral Integrity and Continuity
Free and fair elections are at the core of all democratic systems. Voters need confidence that they can always replace unpopular leaders. This requires a wide range of efforts to preserve electoral integrity and the rule of law.
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US Electoral Politics
Colleague Activities
National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers (NANR)
An association dedicated to structural election reforms that advance the public's interest in robust political competition and a level playing field.
Colleague Activities
Finding Common Ground on Election Reform
Free and fair elections are at the cornerstone of our democracy, yet many Americans feel disenfranchised about their ability to cast a ballot. Can we reach agreement on how to fix that?
Colleague Activities
The Carter Center and Team Democracy Unite to Advance Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections
This strategic alliance aims to strengthen the core values of democracy and electoral integrity as defined in the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections, a national, cross-partisan effort.
Colleague Activities
Faces of Democracy
A campaign of election officials and poll workers to strengthen U.S. elections
Colleague Activities
How religious communities are working to ensure a free & fair election
To protect democracy you have to bring together a broad coalition of people who might have major disagreements on politics and policy but who are willing to come together to prioritize its defense. A discussion with Emma Addams of Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
Colleague Activities
Local Election Officials Survey --- May 2024
Since 2020, 92 percent of local election officials have taken steps to increase election security for voters, election workers, and election infrastructure.
Colleague Activities
The Carter Center U.S. Elections Project
The Center is working to support US elections by providing objective information about the election process and advancing good practices in transparency.
Colleague Activities
What Worries You About the Other Side?
A list of election planning and communication resources compiled by Nealin Parker from Common Ground USA and Kristin Hansen from the Civic Health Project to help organizations respond to election tensions more effectively.
Colleague Activities
Elections, Democratic Processes
A collection of resources compiled by the TRUST Network on keeping elections fair, free, and safe.
Colleague Activities
Democracy Playbook 2025
From Brookings, thoughts about how we might better protect the integrity of elections, promote the rule of law, combat corruption, and counter disinformation.
Colleague Activities
Principles for Trusted Elections
The Principles for Trusted Elections is a cross-partisan national program helping to restore voters' confidence along six dimensions: honest process, nonviolent campaigning, secure voting, responsible oversight, and trusted outcomes.