Electoral Hostility: is the sanctity of elections under threat?

Contributor(s): Jon Davies, Dr Sarah Harrison, Professor Michael Bruter, Dr Sandra Obradović, Adam Drummond, Thomas Hicks | A mere few years ago, who would have ever expected some people unhappy with the results of a US Presidential election to forcibly enter the Capitol to prevent a democratic result from being certified? Between the disruption from external threats such as covid and terrorism and the ever-increasing tension and frustration between voters, is the sanctity of elections under threat? Is there a risk that some will consider that electoral democracy – the very foundation of our modern societies – should no longer apply when they are unhappy with its outcomes?

Join us on Global Elections Day to celebrate the first anniversary of our Electoral Psychology Observatory and discuss the future of the sanctity of electoral democracy when it is douby challenged by external threats and electoral hostility.

Meet our speakers and chair

Michael Bruter is Professor of Political Science in the Department of Government and Director of the Electoral Psychology Observatory at LSE.

Jon Davies is CEO of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which strengthens parliamentary democracy and relationships around the Commonwealth.

Adam Drummond is Associate Director at Opinium Research, an online research agency based in London. Adam is Head of Political Polling, running regular voting intention and political surveys.

Sarah Harrison is Associate Professorial Research Fellow in the Department of Government and Deputy Director of the Electoral Psychology Observatory at LSE.

Thomas Hicks (@RedBlue2024) is Commissioner for the Federal Electoral Assistance Commission in the United States and served on the commission since 2014, having been nominated by President Obama. He was Chairman of the commission for two term and has focused his efforts on voter access.

Sandra Obradović (pictured) is Associate Researcher at the Electoral Psychology Observatory and Lecturer in Psychology at the Open University.

Florian Foos (@FlorianFoos) is Assistant Professor in Political Behaviour in the Department of Government at LSE, with research interests in election campaigns, opinion change and political activism.