Watch Hacking Democracy

Hacking Democracy is a gripping 2006 documentary feature that dives deep into the controversial and pressing issue of electronic voting and the potential for fraud in the United States' voting systems. The film stars James Naughton, Bev Harris, Deanie Lowe, and a host of other experts and advocates who explore the dark underbelly of the digital election process.

The film opens with coverage of the 2000 US presidential election, which was plagued by voting irregularities and controversies, leading to a highly contentious and ultimately resolved outcome. As we are introduced to the issues with electronic voting machines and the lack of transparency in the systems used to count votes, the film sets the stage for a series of explosive revelations and mind-boggling facts about the state of democracy in America.

The central figure that drives the plot of Hacking Democracy is Bev Harris, a passionate and determined activist who has dedicated her life to exposing the truth about misinformation and manipulation in the US election system. Harris is a formidable force, and her relentless pursuit of the truth takes her and the film's audience on a journey that is both eye-opening and deeply concerning.

One of the most significant revelations in the film is the ease with which electronic voting machines can be hacked and manipulated. The filmmakers explore several instances of voting machines being rigged or hacked, and the implications of this are staggering. If criminals or foreign adversaries could easily meddle with the election results, then the democratic process loses all legitimacy and falls short of its primary objective: to represent the will of the people.

The film weaves a vivid and disturbing tale of how powerful interests can exploit the loopholes in American democracy to favor their preferred candidates, regardless of the voters' wishes. Hacking Democracy utilizes a combination of investigative journalism techniques, personal narratives, and bold conclusions drawn from the evidence presented to paint a vivid picture of a system in crisis.

Throughout the documentary, Harris and her team of experts delve deep into the mechanics of electronic voting machines and the software used to control them. The film exposes how shoddy programming, lax security practices, and corruptible voting machines can lead to votes being discarded or counted inaccurately, thereby influencing the final outcome of the election.

With this in mind, it is no wonder that many viewers will be left with a sense of unease after watching Hacking Democracy. The film raises important questions about the legitimacy of democracy in America, the potential risks of relying on technology to count votes, and the role of government officials and institutions in protecting the electoral process from outside interference or manipulation.

In conclusion, Hacking Democracy is a must-see documentary that will appeal to anyone interested in politics, technology, or social activism. It is a powerful, thought-provoking, and highly informative film that exposes the flaws in America's election process and offers valuable insights into how we can protect our democratic institutions and ensure that the voice of the people is heard. With the 2020 US presidential election looming, this film feels more timely and prescient than ever.

Hacking Democracy is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.