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Europe’s voting space and the problem of second-order elections: A transnational proposal

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  • Jonathan Bright
  • Diego Garzia
  • Joseph Lacey
  • Alexander Trechsel

Abstract

This article offers an empirically driven critical consideration of the idea of transnationalising Europe’s voting space, which would mean allowing European citizens to vote for a party from any member state at the European Parliament elections. We argue that such a move would reduce the second-order problem in European elections, as it would force political parties to move away from campaigning solely on national issues. We also claim that it would improve the extent to which Europeans are represented in their parliament and would be particularly welcomed by citizens currently dissatisfied with the state of their national democracy. We offer evidence to back up these claims, based on data on the political preferences of almost half a million Europeans and 274 European parties.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Bright & Diego Garzia & Joseph Lacey & Alexander Trechsel, 2016. "Europe’s voting space and the problem of second-order elections: A transnational proposal," European Union Politics, , vol. 17(1), pages 184-198, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:17:y:2016:i:1:p:184-198
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116515588965
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hobolt, Sara B. & Spoon, Jae-Jae & Tilley, James, 2009. "A Vote Against Europe? Explaining Defection at the 1999 and 2004 European Parliament Elections," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 39(1), pages 93-115, January.
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    3. Lacey, Joseph, 2014. "Must Europe Be Swiss? On the Idea of a Voting Space and the Possibility of a Multilingual Demos," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 44(1), pages 61-82, January.
    4. Lars Pehrson & Lars Oxelheim & Sverker Gustavsson (ed.), 2009. "How Unified Is the European Union?," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-540-95855-0, September.
    5. Karl Magnus Johansson, 2009. "The Emergence of Political Parties at European Level: Integration Unaccomplished," Springer Books, in: Lars Pehrson & Lars Oxelheim & Sverker Gustavsson (ed.), How Unified Is the European Union?, chapter 10, pages 157-178, Springer.
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