Chris Day
Chris is a designer, researcher, and political consultant based in Maryland. His work focuses on breaking down and visualizing complex information to make it easier to understand.

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Will we destroy democracy?
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Will we destroy democracy?

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Booklet, ‘How do authoritarians keep winning?’ 
Text and design: Chris Day
Democracy around the world is under attack and people are becoming increasingly divided. Academics and think tanks have done great work researching and explaining these dangerous trends. But much of their work lacks a visual element, making it harder to communicate with a broad audience.
This exhibition aims to visualise complicated ideas in ways that are easier to understand. Through a series of posters and a digital publication, the project explores the strategies politicians have used to manipulate elections in different African countries. Although the case studies focus on Africa, the patterns and lessons have broader global relevance. Alongside the visual work, a gumball voting activity highlights practical things that people can do to resist manipulation and strengthen democracy. The overall aim of the project is to help people recognise attempts to undermine elections and to encourage a sense of agency—empowering them to act rather than feel powerless.

The booklet above summarises Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klass’ book How To Rig An Election (2024). It visualises the chapters as seven tools that authoritarians use to rig elections and hold onto power.


Exhibition, ‘Will we destroy democracy’ (2026)
The Meyerhoff Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore
Design: Chris Day

©2026 Chris Day