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Author: Dylan Reynolds | Major: Political Science | Semester: Spring 2024
In his 1972 comedy Jumpers, playwright Tom Stoppard writes that “It’s not the voting that’s democracy; it’s the counting.” Since the inception of our nation, voting has been regarded as an important, although not always accessible, civic duty, and Americans have largely trusted the counting of their votes for over 200 years. The polls have been the medium through which Americans have sought to bring change. However, it seems that in recent years, politicians, journalists, and ordinary citizens have begun to question this hallmark of American democracy.
Ensuring the integrity of electoral processes is paramount for upholding the foundations of democracy, and this conviction spurred my interest in American election administration, particularly following the contentious 2020 presidential election. The debates surrounding election integrity and fraud, especially concerning the expanded use of mail-in ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscored the importance of this topic. The events of January 6, 2021, further emphasized the significance of electoral integrity, as a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol, fueled by false claims of widespread voter fraud. This unsettling event shook the nation and highlighted the dangers of misinformation and political polarization on democratic principles.
Motivated to dive deeper into this issue, I embarked on an analysis of potential predictors of perceptions of vote counting accuracy, focusing on demographics, attitudes towards voting methods, and trust in governmental and electoral institutions. Recognizing the complexity of this topic, I sought mentorship from Dr. Dowdle, whose expertise in campaigns and elections proved invaluable. After providing him with an overview of my research goals, we were able to develop a game plan for moving forward. With his support, I refined my research question, conducted a thorough literature review, and navigated the intricacies of statistical analysis. Despite the challenges that we faced along the way, including a major issue with the data set I planned to rely on, Dr. Dowdle’s mentorship propelled the project forward.
Through this research, I not only gained a deeper understanding of electoral integrity but also honed my analytical and statistical skills. The study’s findings, particularly the significant role of trust in election officials and attitudes towards voting methods, contribute valuable insights to the existing literature. These insights can inform future studies and policy-making efforts aimed at enhancing electoral integrity and rebuilding public trust in the democratic process.
The support that I received from the Honors College was instrumental in enabling me to dedicate ample time to this project, facilitating a comprehensive study and providing me with invaluable academic and professional experiences. Dr. Dowdle’s mentorship was pivotal throughout the research process, providing guidance and support. Other faculty members, especially those on my thesis committee, also provided significant assistance that I will remain very grateful for.
By delving into predictors of vote counting accuracy, I gained valuable insights into the factors influencing public perceptions of electoral integrity. With continued research and concerted efforts to address challenges, we can work towards enhancing electoral integrity and rebuilding public trust in the democratic process, strengthening the foundations of democracy for generations to come.