Elections & Democracy Glossary

Voters can select as many candidates as they approve of, and the candidate with the most approvals wins.

The gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms, leading to increased autocratic control without an outright coup. It often involves weakening checks and balances and restricting civil liberties.

A governing system characterized by concentrated power, limited political freedoms, and minimal political pluralism.

The legal requirements candidates or parties must meet to appear on election ballots, such as signature collection or fees.

Legal or procedural obstacles that make it difficult for candidates or parties to qualify for election ballots. These barriers can limit political competition and voter choice.

Regulations determining the requirements political candidates or parties must meet to appear on election ballots.

Legal challenges and court cases concerning the rules and requirements candidates or parties must meet to appear on election ballots.

A formal process where candidates or parties collect signatures from eligible voters to qualify for inclusion on an election ballot.

Efforts and policies aimed at changing the rules and procedures that determine how candidates qualify to appear on election ballots. These reforms seek to increase fairness and reduce barriers to candidacy.

Legal or procedural barriers that candidates or parties must overcome to appear on election ballots, often affecting minor parties and independents.

The layout and format of a voting ballot, which can influence voter understanding and the accuracy of vote casting.

A secure container where voters can deposit completed mail-in or absentee ballots before election day to facilitate voting access and convenience.

Collecting and submitting completed absentee or mail-in ballots by third parties to increase voter turnout for a campaign or cause.

A process that allows citizens to propose and vote directly on laws or constitutional amendments, bypassing the legislature. It is a form of direct democracy.

A method of changing the order of candidate names on ballots to reduce the advantage of being listed first.

Procedures and technologies implemented to prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or fraud in the voting process, ensuring election integrity and voter confidence.

Deliberately submitting an invalid or blank ballot to express protest or confusion in an election. It can affect vote counts and signal voter dissatisfaction.

Direct voter contact by campaign workers or volunteers to persuade, inform, or mobilize supporters. It involves door-to-door visits, phone calls, or personal interactions.

Public declarations of support for a candidate or party by influential individuals or organizations to sway voter opinion.

A legal limit on the amount of money an individual or group can contribute to a political campaign to reduce undue influence.

Opaque channels through which large sums of money are funneled into political campaigns without clear disclosure of donors, often circumventing campaign finance laws.

Legal requirements for political campaigns to publicly report sources of funding and expenditures to promote transparency and accountability. Disclosure helps prevent corruption and undue influence.

Legal regulations governing the funding of political campaigns.

Legal gaps or ambiguities in campaign finance laws that allow for unregulated or disguised political spending.

A system where public funds match small donations to political campaigns to amplify grassroots support and reduce candidates' reliance on large donors.

The strategy of organizing local volunteers and resources to directly engage and mobilize voters.

Using detailed voter data to tailor political messages to specific groups or individuals to influence their voting behavior.

The deliberate presentation of political information in a way that favors a candidate or party, often by framing events positively or deflecting criticism.

An individual who speaks or campaigns on behalf of a candidate, often a celebrity or party leader, to broaden outreach and influence voters.

Individuals who speak or campaign on behalf of a candidate to extend reach and influence during elections.

A public forum where election candidates discuss policies and answer questions to inform voters and contrast their platforms.

The process by which political parties identify, evaluate, and encourage individuals to run for public office.

A campaign strategy that focuses on the personal qualities and appeal of an individual candidate rather than their party or ideology.

A political perspective favoring moderate policies that incorporate elements from both liberal and conservative viewpoints to appeal to a broad electorate.

A process allowing citizens to propose new laws or constitutional amendments through petition and direct vote.

A form of nationalism based on shared citizenship, values, and political rights rather than ethnicity or culture.

An electoral system where voters select a party and the party determines the order of candidates elected from its list.

A proportional representation system where voters choose a party and the party determines the order of candidates elected.

Primary elections in which only registered party members can vote to select their party’s candidate for the general election.

An election where only registered party members can vote to choose their party's candidate for the general election. This system limits participation to party affiliates.

An electoral system where voters select a party rather than individual candidates, and parties determine the order of candidates elected from their list. It emphasizes party control over candidate selection.

Negotiations between political parties to form a coalition government by agreeing on policy priorities and cabinet positions.

The mechanisms and strategies used by political parties within a coalition government to maintain unity and ensure members support agreed policies and votes.

A government formed by multiple political parties cooperating to hold a majority.

A hybrid regime with formal democratic institutions but unfair advantages for incumbents.

A system where citizens are legally required to vote in elections or face penalties.

A democratic system designed to maximize agreement through power-sharing and broad coalition governments, often including proportional representation.

Social divisions that overlap in ways that reduce political polarization by creating multiple group identities within individuals.

A voter experiencing conflicting influences from different social or political groups, leading to inconsistent or unpredictable voting behavior. This can reduce partisan loyalty.

An electoral system allowing voters to allocate multiple votes to one or more candidates, often used to enhance minority representation.

Political spending by groups that do not disclose their donors.

Organizations that spend money on political campaigns without disclosing their donors' identities.

A political system that appears democratic but operates with authoritarian controls and limited political freedoms in practice.

A democratic model emphasizing informed discussion and reasoning among citizens before making collective decisions.

A method combining public opinion polling with informed discussion among a representative sample to gauge considered public preferences. It aims to improve democratic decision-making.

The process through which a new democracy matures, becoming stable and unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.

The gradual weakening of democratic institutions and norms, often leading to reduced political freedoms and accountability without immediate regime change.

The idea that elected officials should physically resemble the demographic characteristics of their constituents.

The transfer of political power from a central government to regional or local governments within a state.

Processes that allow citizens to vote directly on laws or policies, such as referendums, initiatives, and recalls, bypassing representative bodies.

An election where party members vote directly to choose their candidates for a subsequent general election.

The theory that plurality-rule elections tend to favor a two-party system, while proportional representation encourages multiparty systems.

A principle stating that single-member district plurality systems tend to favor two-party systems. It explains how electoral rules influence party structures.

Cases where first-past-the-post systems support multiparty systems due to factors like regional parties or ethnic divisions.

A stable political system where the number of viable parties matches the incentives created by the electoral system, often two in plurality systems.

Monitoring elections to ensure they are free, fair, and transparent.

A process of retallying votes to verify the accuracy of an election result, usually triggered by close margins or disputes.

A body of electors established by a constitution to formally elect a president, often based on state-level vote results.

An independent body responsible for overseeing the conduct, fairness, and logistics of elections to ensure integrity and public trust.

Deliberate design or reform of electoral systems to influence political outcomes or party systems.

Illegal interference with the election process to alter results.

The adherence to democratic principles and fairness in the conduct of elections, including transparency, accuracy, and freedom from fraud or coercion.

The uneven distribution of voters across electoral districts, causing some votes to carry more weight than others. It can distort representation and election outcomes.

Illegal or unethical actions that compromise the fairness or integrity of an election.

Electoral quotas mandate a minimum percentage or number of candidates from underrepresented groups, such as women or minorities, in elections to promote diversity.

The minimum share of votes a party needs to gain representation in a proportional representation system.

The degree of change in voting patterns or party support between elections within a political system.

The influence endorsements from prominent figures or organizations have on voters' candidate preferences.

A constitutional provision that protects certain laws or principles from being easily amended or repealed.

A measure of the number and size of ethnic groups in a society, influencing party systems and voting patterns.

Ethnic voting occurs when voters consistently support candidates or parties that represent their ethnic group, influencing electoral outcomes along ethnic lines.

Policies or laws that prevent certain groups from voting or participating fully in elections, often based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

A voting method where voters cast a single vote in multiple rounds, eliminating the candidate with the fewest votes each round until one candidate achieves a majority.

A survey conducted immediately after voters leave polling stations to predict election outcomes and analyze voter behavior. These polls provide early election insights.

Surveys conducted immediately after voters leave polling stations to predict election outcomes and analyze voter behavior.

Casting a vote to express support for a candidate or cause rather than to influence the election outcome.

Internal divisions within a political party or movement caused by competing interests or ideologies.

A political messaging tactic that presents two opposing arguments as equally valid despite significant differences in evidence or morality.

A parliamentary procedure where a minority delays or blocks legislation by extending debate, often used in legislatures with strong minority rights. It can affect democratic decision-making.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a single-member district wins the seat without needing a majority.

When individuals benefit from resources or collective action without contributing to the effort or costs involved.

When individuals benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them or contributing to their provision, common in collective action problems.

The practice of scheduling primary elections earlier in the calendar to increase their influence in candidate selection.

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or group.

Using computer algorithms to draw electoral district boundaries to maximize partisan advantage efficiently and subtly.

A gerrymandering technique that dilutes the voting power of the opposing party's supporters by spreading them thinly across many districts. This prevents them from forming a majority in any district.

A gerrymandering method that concentrates the opposing party's voters into a few districts to reduce their influence elsewhere. This wastes their votes by giving them overwhelming majorities in limited areas.

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party, skewing election outcomes and weakening electoral fairness.

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to dilute or concentrate the voting power of racial or ethnic groups.

A gerrymandering tactic that combines distant, demographically similar areas into one district to dilute opposition votes.

A gerrymandering tactic that spreads opposition voters across many districts to dilute their voting power.

A campaign strategy focusing on direct voter contact through canvassing, phone calls, and local organizing.

A media theory suggesting that political messages are directly received and wholly accepted by passive audiences, influencing voter behavior.

The use of constitutional means to erode liberal democratic principles while maintaining formal democratic structures.

A governing system with elections but limited civil liberties and weakened rule of law.

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders due to name recognition, resources, and established networks. This advantage often increases their chances of re-election.

Incumbent gerrymandering redraws electoral district boundaries to protect current officeholders from strong challengers, ensuring their re-election.

Drawing electoral district lines specifically to protect current officeholders and reduce competition.

A system where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf rather than voting on laws directly.

A process allowing citizens to propose and vote on laws directly.

A ranked-choice voting system where voters rank candidates and the least popular candidates are eliminated in rounds until one achieves a majority.

Presenting political issues in a way that influences public perception and opinion.

The perception that a political party or candidate is best able to handle a specific policy issue. It influences voter decisions based on issue priorities.

The importance voters assign to specific political issues when making electoral decisions.

When voters base their electoral choices primarily on specific policy issues rather than party loyalty or candidate characteristics.

The power of courts to assess the constitutionality of laws and government actions, including election laws. It acts as a check on democratic processes.

A theory that parties in government restrict access to legislative benefits to maintain party unity and control over policy.

A situation where political parties or branches of government cannot agree, preventing lawmaking or policy implementation.

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically after a census. It can impact political representation and party advantage.

A philosophy that aims to influence choices for individuals' benefit while preserving freedom of choice.

A political ideology emphasizing individual freedom, limited government, and free-market principles.

Legal requirements for lobbyists to publicly report their activities and expenditures to promote transparency.

Regulations requiring lobbyists and interest groups to report their activities and expenditures to increase transparency.

An individual who seeks to influence government decisions on behalf of a group or organization.

An electoral system that awards additional seats to the party with the most votes to ensure a legislative majority.

An election system where the candidate or party with the majority of votes wins, often leading to single-party governments. It contrasts with proportional systems.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority. It often leads to single-party majorities in legislatures.

An electoral system that awards additional seats to the party or coalition with the most votes to ensure a stable governing majority.

An electoral district where the majority of constituents belong to racial or ethnic minority groups, often to enhance minority representation.

A theory that in a majority-rule voting system, candidates will position their policies to appeal to the median voter to win elections.

A voting system combining elements of majoritarian and proportional representation methods to balance local representation with overall proportionality. Voters typically cast two votes: one for a candidate and one for a party list.

An electoral system combining single-member district plurality and proportional representation without compensatory seats.

Mixed-member proportional representation combines single-member district elections with party-list proportional representation to balance local and overall party representation.

An electoral system combining single-member districts and proportional representation.

A political system where multiple parties compete for power and often share governance responsibilities.

A political ideology emphasizing loyalty and devotion to one's nation and its interests.

A strategy where candidates focus on criticizing opponents rather than promoting their own policies. It aims to reduce support for competitors through attack ads or rhetoric.

Voter loyalty driven more by dislike or opposition to other parties than attachment to one’s own. This can increase political polarization and voter turnout.

A voting method where voters publicly declare their choice instead of voting secretly.

An electoral system where voters can influence the order of candidates on a party's list by expressing preferences for individual candidates.

A proportional representation system where voters can influence the order of candidates on a party’s list, affecting which candidates win seats.

Primary elections where any registered voter can participate regardless of party affiliation.

An election where any registered voter can participate in choosing a party’s candidate, regardless of party affiliation. It encourages broader voter participation.

A proportional representation system where voters can influence the order of candidates on a party list.

Gathering information about political opponents to use against them in campaigns.

The alignment of individuals’ political beliefs consistently with one party over time.

The expectation that party members vote and act according to party policies and leadership.

A significant and lasting shift in the political party system, often changing voter coalitions and party ideologies.

The degree to which a party system is divided into multiple parties with no dominant party.

The stability and strength of political parties and their relationships within a political system over time. High institutionalization promotes predictable politics.

A major shift in the political landscape where voter loyalties and party support change significantly and persistently.

The distribution of resources or favors by politicians to supporters in exchange for political support. It can undermine democratic fairness and accountability.

Votes a candidate receives based on their personal reputation and constituency service rather than party affiliation.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority. It is common in single-member districts.

A multi-winner voting system where voters have as many votes as seats and the candidates with the most votes win.

An organization that collects and spends money to influence elections and legislation, often representing interest groups. PACs play a major role in campaign financing.

Deep and lasting divisions in society, such as class, religion, or ethnicity, that shape political party systems and voter alignments.

The process by which individuals or groups create new political issues or movements to gain support or influence.

The way individuals associate themselves with political groups, beliefs, or ideologies.

A person who advocates on behalf of interest groups to influence government policy and legislation.

A party organization that uses patronage and mobilization to maintain political control, often relying on loyalty and favors. Machines can dominate local politics.

The strategic communication techniques used by candidates and parties to influence public opinion and voter behavior. It involves crafting persuasive narratives and slogans to promote political agendas.

The practice of ensuring party members vote and act according to official party policies and decisions.

The practice of giving government jobs or favors to supporters and allies as a reward for political loyalty. It can undermine merit-based governance.

The growing ideological distance and division between political parties or groups within a society.

A significant and lasting shift in the patterns of party support or voter coalitions, often changing the dominant political party system.

The process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social influences.

The strategic presentation or interpretation of information to influence public perception in favor of a political actor.

A political ideology that pits 'the people' against elites and emphasizes direct popular control.

A political system where a leader claims to represent the 'true people' against elites and uses authoritarian tactics to consolidate power. It often undermines democratic norms.

A political movement claiming to represent the common people against elites or established institutions.

A political ideology combining populist appeals to ordinary people with nationalist emphasis on national sovereignty and identity.

Political messaging that appeals to ordinary people against perceived elites or establishments. It often simplifies complex issues to gain mass support.

Surveys conducted before elections to measure voter preferences and predict outcomes.

Presidential coattails describe the influence a popular presidential candidate has in boosting the electoral success of their party's down-ballot candidates.

An election held to select a party's candidate for a subsequent general election.

A second election held if no candidate achieves a required threshold in the primary to ensure majority support.

The method of distributing seats or delegates based on the percentage of votes received. This system aims to reflect voter preferences fairly.

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive. It aims to reflect the diversity of voter preferences more accurately than winner-takes-all systems.

The minimum share of votes a party needs to gain representation in a proportional system.

The systematic collection and analysis of data to gauge citizens' attitudes and preferences on political issues or candidates.

An electoral system where voters rank candidates and winners are determined through vote redistribution.

The process of redistributing seats in a legislative body based on population changes, often following a census. It affects political representation and district boundaries.

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term through a direct vote.

A process allowing voters to petition for the removal of an elected official before the end of their term, enabling direct accountability.

The process of retallying votes to verify the accuracy of election results.

A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or law.

A minimum voter turnout requirement that must be met for a referendum result to be valid.

When voters make decisions based on evaluations of past government performance rather than future promises. It emphasizes accountability in democracy.

The tendency of individuals to prefer information that aligns with their existing beliefs and avoid contradictory information. This affects political polarization.

Political activities conducted outside formal campaign regulations to influence elections indirectly.

An electoral system where voters cast one vote in multi-member districts, often leading to strategic voting.

An electoral system where voters rank candidates and votes are transferred to meet a quota for proportional representation.

When voters base their electoral choice primarily on one specific political issue, ignoring others.

An electoral district that elects one representative to a legislative body. This system is often associated with winner-takes-all elections and can lead to disproportional representation.

Deep divisions in society based on factors like ethnicity, religion, or class that shape political party support. These cleavages influence party systems and voting patterns.

A political ideology advocating for collective ownership or regulation of the means of production to promote social equality.

A form of authoritarian rule that maintains democratic institutions and elections but restricts freedoms and manipulates processes to stay in power.

Political donations made to parties or organizations for general purposes not regulated by federal campaign finance laws.

Policy approaches that nudge individuals toward beneficial choices while preserving freedom of choice, often used in democratic governance.

A political communicator who shapes information to present a favorable interpretation of events or policies.

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot, rather than supporting a single party.

A candidate whose presence in an election draws votes from a major candidate, potentially changing the outcome.

When a third-party or minor candidate draws votes away from a major candidate, potentially changing the election outcome. This often occurs in plurality systems.

Decisions by potential candidates to run or not based on calculations about winning chances and vote splitting.

When voters choose a candidate not as their first preference but to prevent an undesirable candidate from winning.

Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.

A party official or elected leader who has a vote in selecting a party's presidential nominee, independent of primary or caucus results. Common in some party systems like the US Democrats.

An electoral district where no single party has overwhelming support, making it competitive and unpredictable.

A state in which no single candidate or party has overwhelming support, making it highly competitive and critical in determining election outcomes. Candidates often focus resources on these states during campaigns.

A voter who does not have a strong allegiance to any political party and can be persuaded to vote for different parties in different elections.

Voters who do not have consistent party loyalty and can change their vote between elections.

Voting for candidates from different political parties for different offices in the same election, reflecting independent or mixed political preferences.

An electoral system where all candidates compete in a single primary election and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

The difference in voter turnout rates between demographic groups, such as age, race, or socioeconomic status.

A party system dominated by two major political parties.

An electoral system where a second round of voting is held if no candidate achieves a majority in the first round.

The illegal practice of offering money or goods to voters in exchange for their votes. It undermines free and fair elections.

A lack of interest or motivation among eligible voters to participate in elections. It can result from disillusionment, feeling that one's vote does not matter, or lack of information.

Regulations requiring voters to present specific identification to cast a ballot. Supporters say they prevent fraud; critics argue they can suppress turnout.

Efforts by political parties or organizations to encourage and increase voter turnout, especially among supportive demographics.

The process of removing names from voter registration lists, which can sometimes lead to disenfranchisement if done improperly.

Actions or policies that prevent or discourage certain groups from voting.

Methods used to discourage or prevent specific groups from voting, such as strict ID laws or limited polling places.

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election by casting a ballot.

A situation where collective preferences can be cyclic and inconsistent, making it impossible to determine a clear winner.

A voting system where votes have different weights, often used in organizations to reflect member size or stake.

A party official responsible for enforcing party discipline and ensuring members vote according to party lines.

An electoral system where the candidate or party with the most votes wins all the representation or delegates.