A stark warning about threats to truth, science, and democracy
In annual Compton Lecture, celebrated journalist Martin Baron outlines how a growing disregard for facts undermines civil society in the U.S.
Where legal, voting by those in prison is rare, study shows
The findings suggest voting by incarcerated people is unlikely to affect electoral outcomes, in contrast to some assumptions.
3 Questions: Administering elections in a hyper-partisan era
MIT professor of political science Charles Stewart III discusses the status of US election administration.
How authoritarian leaders maintain support
Study finds public anticorruption campaigns bolster leaders, even when such measures lack tangible results.
Making voting easier for previously incarcerated people
People rarely vote after being incarcerated. Associate Professor Ariel White wonders what can be done about it.
What must the US do to sustain its democracy?
MIT scholars discuss what is needed for the country to support its longstanding form of government.
3 Questions: Daron Acemoglu on the “dangerous situation” still facing the U.S.
The author of “The Narrow Corridor,” about the battle to sustain democracy, weighs in on the country’s political condition.
Taking the pulse of local politics
Asya Magazinnik finds disparate implementation of national policies in jurisdictions across the United States.
Every vote counts for this math student
Graduate student Ashwin Narayan takes off the fall semester to work on an election information database.
Democracy in distress?
Experts analyze a global trend: democratic governments that collapse from within while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy.
3 Questions: Adam Berinsky on how to assess election polls
MIT political scientist explains the responsibilities leaders have for shaping and sharing factual, truthful information in the nation's political discourse.
A letter to the MIT community on navigating the elections together
“Whatever the outcome, I very much hope that in our interactions with one another, we can hold ourselves to our usual high standards of kindness, decency, compassion, inclusion and mutual respect,” writes President L. Rafael Reif.
Get Out the Vote Fest attracts 1,000 viewers ahead of November election
MIT student groups come together to host “voter mobilization festival” featuring Institute leaders, famed artists, and elected officials.
What are the odds your vote will not count?
MIT professor’s study quantifies how many mail-in ballots became “lost votes” in the 2016 U.S. federal election.
3 questions: Ariel White on voter rights and the US criminal justice system
MIT political scientist researches voting, race, the legal system, and bureaucratic behavior.