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Permissive electoral systems and descriptive representation

Author

Listed:
  • Kostanca Dhima

    (Texas A&M University [College Station])

  • Sona Golder

    (Penn State - Pennsylvania State University - Penn State System)

  • Laura Stephenson

    (UWO - University of Western Ontario)

  • Karine van Der Straeten

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Existing research about the effects of electoral systems on descriptive representation is mixed. In this paper, we test implications of theoretical arguments about the impact of electoral rules on voters' propensity to vote for women candidates. We conducted a survey experiment during the 2017 provincial election in British Columbia, Canada, using actual candidates in both real and hypothetical electoral districts. We find that more permissive, or candidate-centered, forms of proportional representation do not improve descriptive representation of women; if anything, they diminish it. We interpret these results as being driven by the supply of candidates – voters tend to vote for incumbent, well-known candidates who happen to be predominantly men. Our findings provide a cautionary note about how electoral rules can interact with real-world experiences and conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kostanca Dhima & Sona Golder & Laura Stephenson & Karine van Der Straeten, 2021. "Permissive electoral systems and descriptive representation," Post-Print hal-03542971, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03542971
    DOI: 10.1016/j.electstud.2021.102381
    as

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