Does the U.S. Have the Best Election Integrity? The Answer Might Surprise You!

In the U.S., we assume we have the best election integrity...but do we?

How are elections done in other democratic countries?

Welcome to the wild world of elections, where democracy meets drama and ballots are the hottest ticket in town! 

If you’ve ever wondered why voting in the US feels like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions—confusing, frustrating, and occasionally leading to a meltdown—you’re not alone!

Today, we’ll take a whirlwind tour around the globe to see how other countries handle their elections.

**Spoiler alert: some of them are easy as pie, while others…

 well, let’s just say they might need a little more practice before their next big bake-off!

The country most similar to the US in terms of electoral processes is Canada, but even it has notable differences.

Canada, like the US, has a federal system with elections managed at multiple levels. However, Canada has a more centralized election management system run by Elections Canada, which ensures uniform procedures across the country. This contrasts with the US's highly decentralized system, where procedures can vary significantly even within states 

Compared to other democracies, the US ranks poorly in terms of electoral integrity. 

According to the Electoral Integrity Project, the US is:

•  60th out of 180 elections worldwide, similar to Bulgaria, Mexico, and Argentina. 

•  61 out of 100, which is the second-lowest among liberal democracies and much lower than other countries in the Americas region

Key differences in electoral practices include:

• Voting day: Many democracies hold elections on weekends or declare election day a holiday to increase participation

• Voter registration: Most countries have automatic or government-initiated voter registration, unlike the US where the burden is on the individual

• Election management: Unlike the US, most democracies have a national election commission to ensure uniform rules and procedures

• Partisan involvement: The US is unique in having partisan elected officials manage elections in many states

List of democracies, from functioning to those moving away from democracy:

1. Norway (9.8)

2. New Zealand (9.4)

3. Finland (9.3)

4. Sweden (9.3)

5. Iceland (9.2)

6. Denmark (9.1)

7. Ireland (9.0)

8. Taiwan (9.0)

9. Australia (8.9)

10. Canada (8.9)

11. United States (7.85)

This ranking shows that while the US is still considered a democracy, it lags behind many other nations in terms of democratic practices and electoral integrity.

So there you have it—a global tour of elections that proves one thing: democracy is like a buffet; everyone has their own recipe, and some countries serve up a lot more flavor than others! 

Whether you prefer the streamlined efficiency of Canada or the spirited chaos of the US, remember that every vote counts. So grab your ballot - register and know where to vote, and join the fun—after all, it’s not just about choosing leaders; it’s about making sure your voice is heard. 

Diverse opinions ensure our elections are accessible to every legal person in every community.