Definition

Noun: * Election fraud: The deliberate misrepresentation, interference, or alteration of the true results, processes, or integrity of an election. It encompasses illegal actions intended to subvert the will of the voters and undermine the legitimacy of an electoral outcome.

Usage

The term "election fraud" is used as a singular, non-count noun to describe the general concept or category of illegal electoral activity. It is often discussed in legal, political, and journalistic contexts concerning the security and fairness of voting.

Examples

• The independent commission was established to investigate allegations of widespread election fraud.
• Strict laws are necessary to prevent election fraud and protect democratic institutions.
• The losing candidate accused his opponent of committing election fraud by tampering with ballot boxes.

Advanced Usage

• "to allege election fraud": To claim or assert, without yet having provided final proof, that fraud has occurred.
  • The party continues to allege election fraud despite multiple audits confirming the results.
• "perpetrate/commit election fraud": To carry out or execute an act of election fraud.
  • Officials were charged with conspiring to commit election fraud.

Variants and Related Words

• Voter fraud (n): A specific type of election fraud involving illegal acts by individual voters, such as voting multiple times or voting while ineligible. (Note: This is a related but more specific term.)
• Electoral fraud (n): A synonym for "election fraud," commonly used in British and international English.
• Fraudulent (adj): Characterized by, involving, or done through fraud.
  • The court overturned the results due to fraudulent activities.

Synonyms

• Electoral misconduct
• Vote rigging
• Ballot tampering

Antonyms

• Free and fair election
• Electoral integrity

Related Phrases

• "to undermine an election": To weaken or damage the legitimacy and credibility of an electoral process, which is often the goal of election fraud.
  • Spreading disinformation is a tactic used to undermine an election.
• "to safeguard against election fraud": To implement measures to protect an election from fraudulent activity.
  • The new paper ballot system was introduced to safeguard against election fraud.

Noun

1. misrepresentation or alteration of the true results of an election