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Determinants of voter turnout

Author

Listed:
  • Diogo Ribeiro

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro)

  • Mara Madaleno

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro)

  • Anabela Botelho

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro)

Abstract

In this study, we analyze how sociodemographic characteristics, level of political identification, level of ideological identification, risk aversion, and cognitive biases affect the probability of voting. For that effect, we use a database of about 103 individuals and apply factor analysis to estimate the dimensions that capture cognitive biases, risk aversion, the level of political identification, and the level of ideological identification. Subsequently, through the estimation of a logit model, we examine how each variable affects the probability of voting based on their average marginal effects. We find that risk aversion, and cognitive biases, namely overconfidence and winning effect, significantly influence the likelihood of voting. We also find that ideological identification negatively influences the likelihood of voting.

Suggested Citation

  • Diogo Ribeiro & Mara Madaleno & Anabela Botelho, 2022. "Determinants of voter turnout," Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE), vol. 6(S1), pages 73-84, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:beh:jbepv1:v:6:y:2022:i:s1:p:73-84
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    voters behavior; determinants; political behavior; decision making process;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • H80 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - General
    • P50 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - General

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