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Unequal turnout changes which preferences appear to lead

Imagine two equally sized groups with different priorities. If far more people in one group vote, the electorate can look different from the population. This is a hypothetical comparison, not a claim about any demographic group. Turnout data show participation; understanding preferences requires other evidence.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • What changes when the same preferences are weighted by population rather than turnout?
  • How could a result among actual voters differ from the preference of all eligible residents?

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4–6 min

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5–7 min

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4–5 min

How do you select a citizens’ assembly without holding an election?

Politics and society4–5 minHow could a group of ordinary citizens broadly reflect a country without running for office? Citizens' assemblies can use civic lotteries, or sortition, to invite randomly selected people and then select from volunteers against demographic criteria. The result aims for a cross-section of the population rather than an elected chamber or an unrestricted sign-up list.

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