Teach for Success
Survey · Democracy & Voting: What Works, What Doesn't
Advanced ESL B2–C1 Topic: Democracy & Voting Anonymous · ~8 minutes Three sections
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This survey asks about your opinions and experiences with democracy and voting. There are no right or wrong answers — we are interested in your genuine views.

The survey has three sections. Section A asks about what you believe is effective in democracy and voting. Section B asks about what you think does not work well. Section C collects brief background information.

Your responses are anonymous and will be used only to support classroom discussion.

SECTION A — WHAT WORKS WELL IN DEMOCRACY & VOTING?

Rate how effective you think each of the following is. 1 = not at all effective → 5 = very effective

A1Compulsory voting laws (requiring citizens to vote or pay a fine)
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
A2Two-round / runoff systems (ensuring the winner gets a majority)
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
A3International election observers monitoring the voting process
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
A4Early voting and mail-in ballots (increasing access for all voters)
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
A5Independent election commissions (not controlled by the ruling government)
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
A6Peaceful transitions of power when an incumbent leader loses an election
not effective
1
2
3
4
5
very effective
SECTION B — WHAT DOES NOT WORK WELL?

Rate how serious you think each of the following problems is. 1 = not a problem → 5 = very serious problem

B1Candidates refusing to accept or concede an election result they have lost
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
B2Logistical failures at polling stations (late openings, equipment problems, long lines)
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
B3Voter apathy — a large portion of eligible voters not participating at all
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
B4Unsubstantiated fraud allegations that undermine confidence in legitimate results
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
B5Electoral systems where a candidate can win without a majority of the popular vote (e.g., Electoral College)
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
B6Chronic political instability — frequent changes of government through impeachment or other means
not a problem
1
2
3
4
5
very serious
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

Answer in a few words or a sentence — there are no right or wrong answers.

OPEN QUESTION 1
In your opinion, what is the single most important element of a trustworthy election? Why?
OPEN QUESTION 2
Have you personally experienced a situation where you felt an election result was not legitimate or was handled badly? (You do not have to name a country or candidate.) What happened and how did it affect your trust?
OPEN QUESTION 3
Peru has compulsory voting; the United States does not. Which system do you think is better for democracy, and why?
OPEN QUESTION 4
If you could change one thing about how elections are run in any country, what would it be?
SECTION C — BRIEF BACKGROUND (OPTIONAL)

This information helps us understand the range of perspectives in the group. All responses are anonymous.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
HAVE YOU EVER VOTED IN AN ELECTION?
IS VOTING COMPULSORY IN YOUR COUNTRY?
HOW MUCH DO YOU FOLLOW POLITICAL NEWS?
HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH DEMOCRACY IN YOUR COUNTRY? (1 = very dissatisfied → 5 = very satisfied)
very dissatisfied
1
2
3
4
5
very satisfied

THANK YOU!

Your responses have been recorded. Your answers will help shape our class discussion today.

Teach for Success  ·  Democracy & Voting Survey  ·  Advanced ESL B2–C1  ·  Anonymous · All responses for classroom use only