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Election Time: Normative Implications of Temporal Properties of the Electoral Process in the United States

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  • THOMPSON, DENNIS F.

Abstract

Elections take place at intervals, most citizens vote on the same day, and the electoral outcome is irrevocable until the next election. Each of these temporal properties—periodicity, simultaneity, and finality—is grounded in fundamental democratic values. Analyzing the properties shows how and why several anomalies in electoral theory and practice in the United States should be eliminated. Together the properties mark off electoral politics as a sphere that requires different and often more stringent standards than the rest of political life outside of government. Periodicity requires that the control of redistricting be independent of legislatures. Simultaneity opposes publishing the results of exit polls, expanding the use of early voting, and granting legislatures the authority to select presidential electors on their own schedule. Finality justifies more stringent regulation of campaign practices, such as electioneering ads.

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  • Thompson, Dennis F., 2004. "Election Time: Normative Implications of Temporal Properties of the Electoral Process in the United States," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(1), pages 51-63, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:98:y:2004:i:01:p:51-63_00
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    1. repec:pri:cepsud:121palfrey is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Morton, Rebecca B. & Muller, Daniel & Page, Lionel & Torgler, Benno, 2015. "Exit polls, turnout, and bandwagon voting: Evidence from a natural experiment," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 65-81.
    3. Battaglini, Marco & Morton, Rebecca & Palfrey, Thomas, 2007. "Efficiency, Equity, and Timing of Voting Mechanisms," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 101(3), pages 409-424, August.
    4. Battaglini, Marco & Morton, Rebecca & Palfrey, Thomas, 2007. "Efficiency, Equity, and Timing of Voting Mechanisms," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 101(3), pages 409-424, August.
    5. J. S. Maloy, 2015. "Intermediate Conditions of Democratic Accountability: A Response to Electoral Skepticism," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 3(2), pages 76-89.
    6. Morton, Rebecca B. & Muller, Daniel & Page, Lionel & Torgler, Benno, 2015. "Exit polls, turnout, and bandwagon voting: Evidence from a natural experiment," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 65-81.

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