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About

Maricopa County stands at the forefront of the national conversation on election integrity.

Arizona State University’s Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory (MODL), based in Maricopa County, serves as a vital hub for advancing election education and strengthening democratic processes. MODL provides essential resources and practical guidance for election officials, civic leaders and communities—locally, nationally and globally. 

Through hands-on instruction, MODL promotes best practices in election administration, transparency and accountability. It fosters civic engagement and equips stakeholders with tools to combat misinformation and build trust in the electoral process.

When people understand how democracy functions, they are more likely to respect its outcomes—even when their preferred candidates do not win. Today, the willingness to accept electoral loss is eroding, both in the United States and around the world. Restoring this democratic norm is essential.

MODL is committed to developing a new generation of professionals who uphold the U.S. Constitution and engage in the marketplace of ideas with integrity—strengthening democracy without compromising its core principles.

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Strengthening Democracy Through Education, Innovation and Integrity

The Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory (MODL) at Arizona State University is dedicated to professionalizing election administration and restoring public confidence in democratic processes. Established in 2024, MODL serves as a hub for training, research and outreach to enhance transparency, accountability and resilience in elections.

At ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory (MODL), students are at the center of our mission.

Whether you're an undergraduate curious about public service or a graduate student pursuing a career in elections or policy, MODL offers hands-on experiences that prepare you to lead in the field of democracy and election administration.

Students at MODL engage in a wide range of experiences, including research studies, election office site visits and hands-on service in official election roles. They have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with elections professionals, attend legislative hearings on election law and observe or participate in the certification process at board of supervisors meetings. MODL also supports students in serving as poll workers or designated party observers during elections, giving them a front-row seat to the democratic process.

MODL’s academic focus includes the study of ballot design and length, signature verification, vote-by-mail systems, early voting, tabulation processes, ethics in election policy and the implications of internet voting—all examined using rigorous social science research methods. Current research projects include validating mail-in voting systems, evaluating the workforce capacity of election offices, countering misinformation, enhancing transparency in elections and analyzing the timeline and accuracy of vote counting in Arizona and the Western United States.
 

Transparent, partisan inclusive and rooted in accountability.

Our Vision

We envision resilient elections where every electoral process is a model of professionalism, integrity, and innovation—earning the unwavering trust of every voter. In this future, transparency, accountability, and fairness guide every step of the electoral process and generations of election professionals uphold these ideals with pride and purpose.

Educational Programs: Courses and workshops designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for effective election administration.
Research Initiatives: Studies focused on enhancing election processes and addressing challenges in the democratic system.
AI + Elections Clinic: A pioneering program exploring the role of artificial intelligence in improving election administration while ensuring ethical standards.
Public Engagement: Outreach efforts to educate voters and the broader community about the electoral process and counteract misinformation

Contact us

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