We study the voter model with a finite density of zealots-voters that never change opinion. For equal numbers of zealots of each species, the distribution of magnetization (opinions) is Gaussian in the mean-field limit as well as in one and two dimensions, with a width that is proportional to 1/ √ Z, where Z is the number of zealots, independent of the total number of voters. Thus just a few zealots can prevent consensus or even the formation of a robust majority.
In REF the voter model with an arbitrary number of zealots is examined on the complete graph and lattice graphs in one and two dimensions, and it is shown that the magnetization has a Gaussian distribution whose characteristics only depend on the number of zealots and not on the entire population.
On the Role of Zealotry in the Voter Model
J. Stat. Mech. P08029, (2007)
Mathematics Physics