Introduction

Elected authoritarians rise through elections—and once in power, they use them to weaken democracy from within. They win not just through manipulation, but by mastering the language of the people while democrats sound distant, over-sophisticated, or defensive.

Because we can't keep losing democracy at the polls, Volume 9 of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit focuses on Politics & Electioneering—how to make democracy defenders reach people's hearts and become competitive again where it matters most: at the ballot box.

Here you'll find plays to build majorities around shared values, bridge divides in polarized societies, and reconnect politics with everyday life. From listening-driven campaigns and data-based organizing to broad political ideas that unite left and right, these plays are grounded in the belief that democracy can still deliver.

When people stop believing democracy represents them, winning them back starts with speaking their language—and putting them back at the center of power.