The Weakening of Democratic Elections in the United States

In this textbook, Stephen J. Wayne illuminates the democratic strength and weaknesses of the American electoral system and highlights how contemporary US elections have become less democratic.

Updated to included insight into the contentious 2024 general election and 2026 midterm election, this ninth edition expands on the strong foundation laid in previous editions ("Is This Any Way to Run a Democratic Election") and looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election with detailed analysis of the impact of money, media, partisanship, misinformation, changes in electoral laws, public trust and election denial on the electorate, political parties, and the candidates for office. Each chapter opens with "Did You Know" teasers and concludes with a critical thinking section that includes Summaries, Key Takeaway points, and Selected Readings--providing a wide array of tools with which to explore alternatives to the status quo. Comparative examples from other countries are included to provide readers with a broader perspective on the issues democracies face around the world.

Tackling the big questions about American politics, this is an accessible read for students in courses on Electoral Politics, Political Parties, Campaigns and Voting and American Democracy.