Voter fraud, perceptions and political spin: Research roundup from the Journalist’s Resource

Claims of election fraud have become a prominent feature in the campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. He hasrepeatedly warned that the election will be“stolen” from him — especially in black, urban neighborhoods where he has less support. “Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day,” he tweeted on October 17.

The assertions could undermine the legitimacy of the election result and of the eventual winner.

Fears about electoral fraud resonate broadly. A September 2016 Washington Post-ABC News pollfound that 46 percent of registered voters believe it happens “often.” These voters are often divided along party lines. Among Trump supporters, that number rises to 69 percent; it is 28 percent among supporters of the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. An August 2016 Gallup poll found a similar split. Overall, faith in fair elections appears to be slipping: Since 2004, expectations that presidential elections will be tallied accurately have dropped from about 70 percent to 63 percent, according to the Washington Post-ABC News poll.

But how common is electoral fraud in the United States? And could misconduct at the polls swing a result?

Read more here:

http://journalistsresource.org/studies/politics/elections/voter-fraud-perceptions-political-spin?

Why We’re Living in the Age of Fear – Rolling Stone magazine

This is the safest time in human history.

So why are we all so afraid?

By Neil Strauss, Contributing Editor

Excerpt: “If this election cycle is a mirror, then it is reflecting a society choked with fear. It’s not just threats of terrorism, economic collapse, cyberwarfare and government corruption – each of which some 70 percent of our citizenry is afraid of, according to the Chapman University Survey on American Fears.

It’s the stakes of the election itself, with Hillary Clinton at last month’s debate conjuring images of an angry Donald Trump with his finger on the nuclear codes, while Trump warned “we’re not going to have a country” if things don’t change.

Meanwhile, the electorate is commensurately terrified of its potential leaders.

According to a September Associated Press poll, 56 percent of Americans said they’d be afraid if Trump won the election, while 43 percent said they’d be afraid if Clinton won – with 18 percent of respondents saying they’re afraid of either candidate winning.

Trump’s rhetoric has only served to fan the flames: “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” “It’s only getting worse.” “You walk down the street, you get shot.”

Build a wall.

Ban the Muslims.

Obama founded ISIS.

Hillary is the devil.

Death, destruction, violence, poverty, weakness. And I alone can make America safe again.

But just how unsafe is America today?”

Read the entire article here: Why We’re Living in the Age of Fear – Rolling Stone