Knowledge, Power, Democracy

The expression "Knowledge is power", which has ancient roots, is revived in the Modern era by Bacon.  But, while in the common popular usage, Knowledge and Power are implicitly distinct, e. g. in the interpretation 'Information can be advantageously useful', Bacon asserts an identity, an elaboration of the concept of Know-How.  In other words, he proposes that Knowledge is essentially Practical, and that there is no Power without Knowledge.  Now, while his primary focus is Scientific methodology, the latter clause is applicable to Political Philosophy.  In particular, it applies to the process of voting, when a voter does not fully understand the candidates and issues, either through laziness or being deceived.  In that case, voting is no exercise of Power, so the process is a superficial mockery of Democracy, which, as has been previously discussed, entails the empowerment of all voters.