We’ve heard a lot about the peril facing U.S. democracy over the last few months. How the institutions of democracy are threatened by a tide of violence, misinformation, crackpot conspiracy theories and people acting in bad faith.
In the midst of all this turmoil, the very people whose work is fundamental to maintaining democracy – election workers – are working hard and honestly in town halls, school gymnasiums, state offices and other public places to help America vote.
It can be a thankless job – and the pressure on these people is getting worse, writes political scientist Amel Ahmed, from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “The work is not lucrative – some make as little as $20,000 annually, with a national average of $50,000,” she writes.
And for those assigned such a crucial role in our democracy, there’s not much glory, says Ahmed. “With titles such as 'clerk' and 'registrar,' these jobs are not usually steppingstones to a grander political career. Those who take up these positions typically are public-service-minded, looking to give back to their communities.“
So if you’re voting today, it would be good if you said "Thank you” to your election workers. They’re making democracy work.
Also today:
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An election worker, watched by observers from both major political parties, handles 2022 midterm ballots in Phoenix, Ariz.
Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images
Amel Ahmed, UMass Amherst
Local election administrators work under increasingly difficult circumstances, with dwindling resources and mounting challenges.
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Politics + Society
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Guy Ziv, American University School of International Service
Israel’s longest serving and most politically resilient prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, returns to government with a new coalition, partnering with extreme-right parties. It could be his undoing.
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John M. Sides, Vanderbilt University
While TV political ads might seem old-fashioned in the age of social media, research shows that this kind of advertising does win votes – and could influence the upcoming midterms.
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Ernesto Castañeda, American University
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Arts + Culture
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Ronald Hall, Michigan State University
In Tanzania, only 2% of people born with albinism will live to the age of 40.
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Economy + Business
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Michael Skiba, Colorado State University Global
A new analysis of this type of fraud shows it’s a growing problem that almost half of Americans consider an ‘acceptable’ crime.
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Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University
Squandering all that money is easier than it seems.
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Science + Technology
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Bethany Teachman, University of Virginia
As uncertainty abounds and anxiety skyrockets, you’ve probably heard advice to be patient, stay calm and keep the faith. Here are 10 concrete tips to help you actually manage the stress.
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