Wybory samorządowe 2014. W poszukiwaniu anomalii statystycznych
Controversies over the shape of Polish electoral administration

Summary/Abstract: We perform statistical analysis of results of local elections, which took place in Poland in November 2014. Investigating data concerning voivodeship sejmik (provincial-level assembly) we studied correlations between participation in elections, percentage of invalid votes and results of a given party. Furthermore, the frequency, with which a given digit appeared in the numbers provided by the electoral commission was analyzed and compared with the law of Benford. Our results did not reveal significant statistical irregularities, which could possibly confirm an allegated electoral fraud. However, our investigations do confirm the “first page” effect: as in these elections several-page brochures were used as ballot papers, the party which started with number one and their candidates were listed in the first page of the ballot paper had a substantial advantage over the competitors.

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