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Welcome to Part 2 of our series: How to Spot Manipulation During an Election. We hope it'll give you the tools to make an informed decision this election season.

Definitions

Intimidation

Using threats, harassment, or false information to discourage or influence someone’s vote.

Disinformation

Using force or incentives to pressure someone into voting a certain way.

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Both intimidation and coercion can rely on positive reinforcements or positive punishments to sway votes, meaning something is added to either increase or decrease behavior.

Intimidation

Examples

Examples

During the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe, local leaders of the ruling parties and supporters pressured voters by claiming that their ballots were not secret and that the government would know their vote.

 

In 1965, at Tuskegee University, Black students were met with harassment and threats that their names would be reported to their schools and families.

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So how might this look in the WZC election?​

Voting is conducted through AZM, and no slate can see your votes.

 

You might feel shamed for who you might vote for or shamed for not caring about antisemitism or Israel for not voting for a particular slate.

 

Intimidation does not have to be violent but can be done through tone, body language, or persistence. It can be as simple as making you feel uncomfortable.

Coercion

Examples

Example

In the 1980s, in the UK, some student unions at universities would not let you in to social events or withhold resources if you did not align with their politics.

 

In the 2012 Mexican presidential elections, allegations against a party included pre-paid gift cards to voters.

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So how might this look in the WZC election?​

Some slates may ask you to vote in exchange for attending a rally, offering free drinks, or giving you access to a party or social circle.

 

You may also feel pressured at the event.

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It is not against the rules for a slate to throw a party and offer drinks or food. However, it is against the rules for them to offer monetary compensation, pay for your fee, or demand proof that you voted to allow you into the space or give you access to perks.

Spotting the Manipulation

The Bottom Line

What You Can Do

The Bottom Line

​It’s important to recognize when our environment makes us uneasy or when someone might be pressuring us. Think about how someone is making you feel. If there is an intense emotional response, it is usually a sign of manipulation.

 

If voting feels like an exchange- a vote for your comfort, safety, or perks- you might be around someone who is trying to manipulate you into voting for them.

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What You Can Do​

The AZM has rules regarding voting. Slates can hold events for GOTV and hire influencers or spokespeople to help spread votes, but no one can reimburse you for the $5 fee or offer any other kind of compensation for your vote.

 

If you experience any of this, please feel fill out the official AZM complaint form.

Sources

Review our sources:

we encourage that.

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