We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy
Electioneering
The term “electioneering” refers to the act of campaigning to influence the result of an election in favor of a particular candidate or party. The key element of electioneering is effectively communicating with the electorate in order to persuade them to vote for the candidate or party being endorsed.
Visible examples of electioneering include campaign rallies which are televised by the media, as well as television debates between prospective candidates for office. In addition, grass roots party members may involve themselves in electioneering by knocking on doors in their constituencies in an attempt to convince as many members of the public as possible to vote for their party or favored candidate. The phenomenon known as ‘passive electioneering’ refers to wearing items of clothing, or putting up posters or signs showing support for a particular candidate or party to the polling place on election day.