Are Elections Broken? Rutgers Philosopher Proposes “Lottocracy”

Replacing elections with random selection could free the legislative process from wealthy corporate interests, philosopher says

New Brunswick, N.J. (Date) – As the Nov. 6 election approaches, do you sometimes feel our electoral system is broken and in need of replacement?

If so, you are not alone. In several articles, a free online course and a forthcoming book, Rutgers University-New Brunswick philosophy Professor Alexander Guerrero lays out a plan for “lottocracy” — a new form of government in which adult citizens would be randomly selected to serve as lawmakers.

In an interview with Rutgers Today, Guerrero says ending elections could free us from the tyranny of false campaign promises and wealthy special interests, and make government look more like a cross section of American society. He also proposes a smaller-scale version to solve intractable issues like climate change.

He says Americans should vote next week and for as long as our electoral system exists – but that we shouldn’t limit our political imaginations, and that we should imagine new forms of political technology.

The full interview, along with a photo of Guerrero and links to his articles on lottocracy, can be found here.

Guerrero can be reached at alex.guerrero@rutgers.edu.