Lottocracy: Can You Have Democracy Without Elections

The Institute for Ethics in Public Life invites you to join us for "Lottocracy: Can You Have Democracy Without Elections?" With special guest Dr. John McMahon, Associate Professor of Political Science and current Institute Fellow.

From polarization to the media environment to the weakening rule of law to attacks on individual rights to economic inequality, our democratic institutions appear to be eroding or may be insufficient to our contemporary challenges. In response to this condition, the idea of "lottocracy" -- replacing elected representatives with representatives randomly selected by lottery -- has recently gained traction among some democratic theorists and political philosophers. After a brief overview of the main features of lottocracy, this conversation will explore its implication for the meaning and practice of democracy.

While no preparation is required or expected, if you'd like to learn more about lottocracy before March 4, the work of philosopher Alex Guerrero is a good place to start. If you would like a link to a ten-page excerpt from his 2024 book on lottocracy, a link to an interview with him, and a review, summary, and critique of the book please contact Dr. Lake at dlake001@plattsburgh.edu

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