This new edition examines the theory, structure, and the contemporary electoral process, analyzing how the system has evolved, how it is working today, and its challenges for the future. Stephen J. Wayne illuminates the democratic strength and weaknesses of the American electoral system and asks, "Is this any way to run a democratic election?"

Updated to included insight into the contentious 2020 and 2022 elections, the chapters look ahead to the 2024 election with detailed analysis of the impact of money, media, partisanship, misinformation, changes in electoral laws, public trust and election denial on the electorate, political parties, and the candidates for office. Each chapter opens with "Did You Know" teasers and concludes with a critical thinking section that includes Discussion Questions, Topics for Debate, Research Oriented Exercises, and Internet Resources and Selected Readings—providing a wide array of tools with which to explore alternatives to the status quo. Comparative examples from other countries are included to provide readers with a broader perspective on the issues democracies face around the world.

Tackling the big questions about American politics, this is an accessible read for undergraduate students in courses on Electoral Politics, Political Parties, Campaigns and Voting and American Democracy.