Social Capital and Election Integrity  

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Carvis C. Durr
November 4, 2024

When discussing election integrity, we focus on the vital safeguards and policies that proponents believe are necessary to protect our electoral process from domestic and foreign threats. This encompasses measures to improve election administration and strategies to prevent voter fraud. In recent years, the dialogue surrounding election integrity has intensified, prompting a robust debate about which policies uphold election integrity and which may inadvertently result in voter suppression. Transparency is a critical element we cannot afford to overlook.

The issue of election integrity is not just critical but urgent for both major political parties and our nation. In previous elections, we witnessed troubling instances where certain states dismantled essential safeguards that had been put in place to ensure fair elections. These changes were often made without adhering to proper legislative processes. They were implemented at the last minute, creating an environment of chaos and uncertainty that undermined the credibility of our democratic systems. This urgency calls for immediate and decisive action to restore public confidence in our electoral process.

As voters, we hope both major political parties recognize their significant responsibility. Their role is not merely important; it is essential. We urge them to work diligently to restore public confidence in the electoral process. This includes promoting transparent practices and advocating for policies that enhance election integrity. The objective should be to recommend best practices that ensure future elections are conducted without interference, are fair to all participants, and are transparent to the public. By prioritizing these efforts, they can effectively protect our elections and uphold the democratic principles that form the foundation of our society.

Social Capital

In the context of election integrity, social capital can be understood as the collective trust and cooperation among individuals and groups within a community. This concept highlights the power of shared resources and relationships in ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes. It encompasses elements such as trust, reliability and adherence to civic norms, which are essential for promoting cooperation and preventing fraudulent election activities. The strength of this collective trust is a powerful force in our society.

Social capital is not just a concept; it is a force that promotes cooperation and collaboration within society. It is embodied in establishing institutions that address vital production, reproduction, regulation and coordination needs. These institutions encompass governmental bodies—such as courts, law enforcement agencies and emergency services—as well as non-governmental organizations and corporations that serve public interests.

Everyday instances of social capital can be observed in simple yet meaningful actions that foster goodwill and cooperation among individuals. For example, when one person holds the door open for another, it nurtures a sense of community and consideration. Similarly, returning a lost item to a stranger helps the individual who lost it and reinforces a collective spirit of honesty and mutual respect. Other examples of social capital include

• offering directions to someone who is lost,
• lending an item without the need for a written agreement and
• engaging in any positive interaction strengthens social ties, even between those who may not know each other.

While these actions may initially seem trivial, they are vital in strengthening the social fabric. Small gestures and interactions facilitate connections among individuals and groups, nurturing personal relationships and enhancing communities’ overall health and resilience. A robust social capital framework cultivates environments where individuals feel safe, respected and connected, which is particularly crucial in various contexts, including the integrity of elections. When communities are united and cooperative, they are better positioned to uphold democratic processes and ensure fair representation, thereby demonstrating the broader implications of social capital.

The Significance

When voter fraud occurs, it undermines the integrity of the election process. Every vote is devalued, and in some instances, the election results may be compromised. As states manage much of the electoral process, they should enact laws requiring government-issued IDs for voting.

Research indicates that communities with high social capital tend to have residents who are healthier, wealthier, happier and more connected to their neighbors. Here are four ways an individual might commit voter fraud:

1. Voting in someone else’s name
2. Registering in multiple locations to cast votes in the same election.
3. Voting while ineligible, such as if they are felons or non-citizens, means they are paying or intimidating individuals to vote for specific candidates.

The significance of social capital cannot be overstated. It facilitates social interaction and fosters positive exchanges. Without social capital, meaningful interactions become difficult and the very fabric of human life would be at risk. Social capital is vital in maintaining societal cohesion, ensuring that communities are united and cooperative. It is often described as the lubricant that allows our society to function smoothly. The effectiveness of our society, economy, institutions and political systems relies heavily on social capital, underscoring the value of community unity.

Implementing voter ID laws helps prevent identity theft and safeguards individuals’ right to vote. Ensuring election integrity cannot depend solely on a simple honor system.

---

Author: Carvis C. Durr, a Ph.D. student and Graduate Teaching Associate at the University of Central Florida’s School of Sociology and Statistics. Carvis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and two Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Leadership/Human Resource Development. Carvis is a member of the Scholar Strategy Network. Follow Carvis on Twitter @Iamcarvis or check out his professional profile on LinkedIn.

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...