#14 The Lazy Newsletter - The History of Elections and The Ethics of the Electronic Vote

Prompt: Imagine Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill discussing the pros and cons of the electronic remote vote over dinner. What would that debate look like? What would be their ethical views on this topic? Write the whole scene in the style of Aaron Sorkin.

🤖 [CHATGPT]:

[The scene opens in a modern, tech-savvy restaurant. Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill sit at a sleek table, surrounded by dimmed lights and digital menus. Kant, looking skeptical, adjusts his glasses while Mill, holding a tablet, looks eager to engage in the discussion.]

Mill: Immanuel, my esteemed colleague, have you pondered the implications of the electronic remote vote? It's quite the technological leap forward.

Kant: [Eyeing the tablet] Remote voting? Casting one's vote from the comfort of their home? It sounds like an ethically precarious endeavor, detached from the solemnity of civic duty.

Mill: [Tapping on the tablet] Immanuel, consider the convenience! Citizens from remote areas or those with physical limitations could participate in the democratic process. It's about expanding access to the ethical act of voting.

Kant: [Frowning] Convenience should not supersede the importance of moral duty. Voting is not a casual act; it's a commitment to the collective will and demands the seriousness of physical presence.

Mill: [Smirking] But what about individual autonomy? The ability to make a moral decision without external pressures, to deliberate at one's own pace. Remote voting offers a unique form of liberation.

Kant: [Leaning in] Autonomy is vital, but it should be exercised responsibly. Deliberation requires engagement with the community, not isolation behind the walls of one's home. There's a danger of moral negligence.

Mill: [Nodding] Immanuel, I respect your commitment to duty, but consider the potential for a more informed electorate. Remote voting allows citizens to access information and deliberate without the chaos of a crowded polling station.

Kant: [Sighing] Information is a tool, but it does not replace the moral duty to engage with one's fellow citizens. Deliberation, not isolation, is the cornerstone of ethical decision-making.

Mill: [Smiling] Immanuel, progress is inevitable. Remote voting aligns with our pursuit of maximizing happiness. It empowers individuals and promotes a more inclusive democracy.

Kant: [Raising an eyebrow] Progress should not compromise the core principles of democracy. It's a delicate balance between technological advancement and upholding the ethical fabric of our society.

Mill: [Tapping the tablet again] But Immanuel, imagine a world where every eligible citizen can participate without barriers. Isn't that the essence of a just society?

Kant: [Pausing] Justice is not solely about accessibility; it's about the moral character of our actions. Remote voting, while convenient, must not erode the communal spirit that defines our democratic duty.

[The debate unfolds amid the soft hum of electronic devices and the clinking of futuristic cutlery. Kant and Mill navigate the complexities of duty, autonomy, and progress]

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Prompt: Tell me the history of elections and include all the crazy/fun facts you can. Also, include a few stats (turnout, abstention, etc).

🤖 [CHATGPT]:

The history of elections is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and reflects the evolving nature of governance, democracy, and societal values. Here's a brief overview, sprinkled with some interesting and fun facts:

Ancient Greece (5th century BCE):
- The concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens. Citizens participated in decision-making through an assembly where they could vote on various issues.
- However, the right to vote was limited to male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens.
Roman Republic (509–27 BCE):
- The Roman Republic introduced the idea of representative government, where citizens elected officials to represent their interests in the Senate.
- Elections were often marred by bribery and corruption, with candidates providing entertainment and gifts to sway voters.
Medieval and Renaissance Europe:
- Feudal societies in medieval Europe did not have democratic elections, but city-states like Venice and Florence experimented with forms of representative government.
- Papal elections in the Catholic Church were known for their intrigue and manipulation, leading to the term "papal conclave."
The Magna Carta (1215):
- The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England, laid the groundwork for constitutional limitations on monarchs and influenced later democratic developments.
The American Revolution (1775–1783):
- The United States adopted the first modern constitution in 1787, establishing the Electoral College system for presidential elections.
- George Washington was elected as the first President in 1789, running unopposed.
The Women's Suffrage Movement:
- Women's suffrage movements worldwide fought for the right to vote. New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women suffrage in 1893.
- The United States passed the 19th Amendment in 1920, allowing women to vote.
India's First General Election (1951–1952):
- India, the world's largest democracy, held its first general election with a staggering 173 million eligible voters.
- Turnout was around 45%, reflecting the challenges of organizing elections in a vast and diverse nation.
Nelson Mandela's Election (1994):
- Nelson Mandela's election as South Africa's first black president marked the end of apartheid. The 1994 election had a turnout of approximately 87%.
- Mandela won with 62.6% of the vote.
Social Media Impact:
- The 2008 U.S. presidential election saw the rise of social media as a political tool. Barack Obama's campaign effectively used platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- In 2016, Donald Trump's use of Twitter played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the U.S. presidential race.
Highest Turnout in Modern History (Belgium, 2014):
- Belgium holds the record for the highest voter turnout in a parliamentary election in the 21st century, with 89.4% in 2014.
Iceland's Election of the Pirate Party (2016):
- In 2016, Iceland's Pirate Party, advocating for digital rights and direct democracy, gained popularity and won 10 seats in the parliamentary election.

While elections have evolved over time, the spirit of democracy persists, bringing both challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of fair and representative governance.

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Image prompt: a Victorian era robot casting its vote.