Role of the Media in Elections

Election is a busy time for reporters.

One of the fundamental functions of the media is to inform the public of matters that concern it. In fledgling democracies, voter suppression and other forms of intimidation and unethical practices are common. This can call into question whether the elected individual actually won. The media is therefore vital to ensuring that the election is one that adheres to the principles of democracy.

Reporting on Candidates

The media reports on individual candidates and their platforms leading to an election. Offering voters the information that they need throughout the election process is critical. From candidates forming exploratory committees to a candidate's announcing his intention to run for office, throughout the campaign trail reporters keep the public fully informed. This supplies them with the facts they need to make an informed decision as to which candidate to cast a ballot for.

Investigative Reporting

It is the responsibility of the media to investigate any claims that a candidate makes about his own record or the record of his opponents. This is also true of outside groups that are involved in elections, such as political action committees or other entities that seek to influence the election one way or the other.

Monitoring Voter Turn Out

The media also monitors voter turnout as well as reports on any irregularities or reports of voter suppression. There have been instances, for example, of cases where individuals have posted fliers in areas that they believed the other party's voters resided instructing the likely voters that the election would be held on a different day, or other misleading information. In these instances it is crucial that the media report these attempts to mislead voters and relay the correct information to the public.

Counting Votes

Ensuring that votes are counted properly in the United States is the task of local board of election workers overseen by that state's secretary of state, who certifies the election results. Occasionally there arises the need for a recount, which usually takes the form of a manual recount, unless a court intervenes. For example, in Gore vs. Bush, the country was told it could discontinue a manual recount of ballots cast. It was the responsibly of the media to follow and report on the recount as well as stories that related to the recount.

References

• UNESCO: The Media and the Election Process