Institutional rules not only influence the legitimate activities political actors pursue to win elections, but they also seem to influence illicit actions. We present a theory that focuses on how institutional rules relate to on-the-ground tactics of fraud. We test observable implications using...

Autocrats face a dilemma. Continue with fraudulent electoral practices and risk revolt, or reduce fraud and risk losing elections. One solution is to structure electoral governance such that it allows for independence and professionalism at the center, lending credibility to the electoral...