Using Computer Simulations to Safeguard Democracy in Times of Crisis

Computer simulations can help identify solutions for reforming democracy amid today’s political polarization. The author, a computational neuroscientist, argues that a two-party system often forces voters to extremes, risking the election of radical leaders. They highlight how third-party candidates can split votes in first-past-the-post systems but point to Alaska’s top-four primary and ranked-choice voting as a promising reform. Additional solutions include redistricting, eliminating the Electoral College, approval voting, and campaign finance reform, with a call for scientists to advocate for these changes at all levels of government.