Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Back on the Drawing Board: A New Conceptualization and Measurement Instrument for Citizens’ Perceptions (Wahlen und politische Einstellungen)

By: Paula Hanna Windecker

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Synopsis: This book investigates German citizens&’ perceptions of electoral integrity, introducing a new survey-based measurement tool to better capture these attitudes. First, a general conceptualization of electoral integrity is developed using an integrative approach, then adapted to the context of German citizens. Afterwards, a multidimensional tool for public opinion research is designed and empirically tested, before being applied in three exemplary analyses. First, it is used to highlight different perceptions across sociodemographic and political groups. Second, it is used in a multivariate analysis exploring how individual-level factors shape attitudes across different dimensions, including the mediating role of personality traits. Third, the tool is used to examine current challenges, focusing on conspiracy beliefs and support for i-voting. Findings reveal that German citizens hold nuanced perceptions of electoral integrity, reflected in ten distinct dimensions. As determinants differ across dimensions, the study suggests that future research should address specific aspects of electoral integrity rather than relying on overall evaluations, which obscure diverse judgments and attitudinal patterns.