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What are the Results of Longer Opening Hours of Polling Stations?

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Listed:
  • Niklas Potrafke
  • Felix Rösel

Abstract

A new study by the ifo Institute examines the consequences of extended polling station opening hours on voter turnout and the share of votes political parties receive, based on a reform in Burgenland, Austria. The results show that by extending opening hours, turnout can at least be increased slightly. However, not all parties benefit from longer opening hours. Longer polling station opening hours mobilise social democratic, green and right-wing populist voters. Voters of conservative parties regard their right to vote as a "civic duty" and extended opening hours have no effect on them.

Suggested Citation

  • Niklas Potrafke & Felix Rösel, 2018. "What are the Results of Longer Opening Hours of Polling Stations?," ifo Schnelldienst, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 71(05), pages 23-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ifosdt:v:71:y:2018:i:05:p:23-26
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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