Caltech Offers Primers on the Science Behind Elections

Democratic processes in the United States, including elections, rely on complex systems and evolving technologies to operate effectively. Caltech political scientists, historians, computational social scientists, and data scientists provide insights that can help voters and election officials identify and address fraud, misinformation, and other threats to election security, and create fair and accurate electoral systems. Explore the research and data behind voting and elections.

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What Do We Know About the Security of Voting by Mail?

Mail-in voting has a long history in the U.S. In five states, vote-by-mail is the primary method of voting, and all states offer the option. Learn how these ballots are secured. READ MORE >

Why Can’t We Vote by Phone or Online?

There is currently no online voting technology that can match the security and secrecy of in-person and mail-in voting. READ MORE >

How do Election Officials Check for and Prevent Voter-registration Fraud?

One way election officials weed out errors and identify potential cases of registration fraud is through advanced data analysis using machine learning. READ MORE >

How Do Political Polls Work?

Polls help politicians, policymakers, researchers, and others gauge public opinion. Learn how polls are conducted and how to read a poll.  READ MORE >

How Does Campaign Funding Work?

Find out who is allowed to donate to local and national political candidates and how public and small-dollar donations come into play.  READ MORE >

How Can Science Make Elections More Secure

Social and computer scientists provide data and observations that can help safeguard and strengthen electoral systems. READ MORE >

VOTING AND ELECTIONS: Ask a Caltech Expert

Caltech researchers answer your questions: Why is it so hard to count every ballot? Why are presidential elections so difficult to forecast? And more.  READ MORE >