Customer Reviews

Design for Democracy: Ballot and Election Design

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In recent years, the United States, this supposed bastion of democracy, has been failing in one of the most fundamental aspects of a functioning democratic system: making ballots and election materials that can be easily read, understood, and which ensure that the desires of the voting populace are committed in the way they intend, and count the way they should. This excellent design book showcases the way that information relating to voting should be made so that all confusion is eliminated in the voting booth, and credibility can be restored to the voting process in this country. Given the way this country has been going lately, I hope it happens sooner rather than later. This book is a great first step.

The title says it all. This book is clear, full of both specific case studies and design examples, as well as general principles and guidelines to apply these lessons to your own situation. If you are involved in an election, please buy this book.

Professor Lausen gives us all a lesson in better understanding that how things appear can change the outcome of important events. Visual dynamics are more than decoration and luxury, they are essential mechanisms affecting the way we think and act. We have known that for some time, but her application to the voting process drives the significance home in crucial ways we can not ignore. Get this book. Give this book. Give it to your Selectman, Congressman, Senator, Mayor, Governor.