ABSTRACT
Free, uncoerced elections are counted by many commentators as a crucial indicator of the vitality of any democracy. Without regard to the results of elections, a fair electoral process is thought to be an essential ingredient for a just society. Indeed, the fairness of the electoral process is often invoked as evidence in debate over the legitimacy of the state; its actions, and its continued existence as a social institution. Voter fraud, the coercion of voters, and duplicity by candidates in election campaigns (just three of many nefarious possibilities) are taken to be serious violations of the ideals (and ideology) of democracy, even if election outcomes were to be consistent with voters’ expectations. In instances where violations of the norms of election campaign conduct are so widespread that they threaten the very integrity of the electoral process, counting outcomes (votes) may be simply a cynical exercise in power and domination.
