The Problem of Uncontested Elections…and What You Can Do About it | Politics with Paul #75

Uncontested elections - races that only have one candidate - are a considerable problem in American politics. These elections aren't just uncompetitive; there's no competition at all. The choice has already been made before voting. Despite the threats uncontested elections pose to democracy and civic health, however, this issue doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should. But the first step to solving a problem is knowing it exists. Today's episode of Politics with Paul showcases how often we see these uncontested elections, many of the factors that can lead to an uncontested election, reasons why they are a problem for democracy and civic health…and perhaps most importantly, what YOU can do practically to help push back against the frequency of uncontested elections.

Speakers

AI Chat

Paul Rader

Host • 92%

Paul Rader

Host • 8%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction to Uncontested Election
1:31	What is an Uncontested Election?
3:57	How Common are Uncontested Elections?
8:26	Reasons Why We See Uncontested Elections
8:53	Reason #1: Lopsided Part Affiliation in the Electorate
12:38	Reason #2: Ballot Access Laws Create a Barrier to Entry
15:19	Reason #3: Lone Candidate has a Lot of Money
19:47	Reason #4: Compensation for Certain Elected Officials
23:16	Reason #5: The Elected Office and/or its Timing is Not Well-Known
26:21	Reason #6: People Think a Particular Office Doesn't Matter
28:34	Reason #7: The Lone Candidate has Strong Pre-existing Support
30:57	Reason #8: Term Limits
33:00	Why Uncontested Races are Bad for Democracy and Civic Health
33:54	Problem #1: There is No Real Choice in the Election
35:04	Problem #2: They are Excuses for Election Winners to Declare a Voter Mandate
37:19	Problem #3: They Suggest a Lack of Political Efficacy
39:48	Problem #4: They Can Imply People Do Not Care
41:56	Problem #5: They Hinder Representativeness in Elections
44:52	Problem #6: People are Afraid to Get Involved in Politics
47:54	What YOU Can Do About Uncontested Elections
48:58	Method #1: Run for Office Yourself
50:13	Method #2: Share Election, Candidate Info with Your Community
51:01	Method #3: Join or Create a Civically-Minded Group
52:57	Method #4: Hold People Accountable Regardless of Party or Beliefs
54:43	Method #5: Pushing Back Against ALL Mid-Decade Redistricting Efforts
57:54	Method #6: Applying Australia's Community Independent Movement to American Politics
1:02:12	Closing and Media

Transcript

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