In a democratic republic, the vote of the citizenry is tantamount to the voice of the people. Combined with a free press and an informed public, a democracy "of, by and for the People" is very achievable. Thus, gaming the system becomes a goal and objective of those who know that an informed public would choose to reject leaders and plans that don't serve the nation. Accusations of voter fraud, manipulation and "caging" -- as well as compromised voting tallies -- ebb and flow throughout the election process, ranging from substantive and verifiable to borderline (and "over the line") conspiracy theories.
The danger in complacency is that, when some elements normally relegated to overblown conspiracy theory conjecture begin to take on new form and accumulate mounting evidence, there is a tendency toward lethargy and it becomes more difficult to enact, to ensure and to protect the integrity of the process. Accountability becomes dead or dormant.
Are we there now, already, or is there still life enough in the nation to fight the apathy and take steps to ensure the security of the voice of the People?
