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A Simultaneous Analysis of Turnout and Voting under Proportional Representation: Theory and Experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Aaron Kamm

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Arthur Schram

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

In a system of proportional representation, we study the interaction between a voter’s turnout decision and her party choice, and how these relate to party polarization. Quantal response equilibria predict such interaction effects. In particular they predict (i) a Polarization Effect: reduced strategic party choice when voting is voluntary makes voters more likely to vote for extreme parties (conditional on voting at all); (ii) an Extremist Effect: voters supporting extreme parties are most likely to vote; (iii) a Turnout Effect: party polarization increases voter turnout. We provide data from a laboratory experiment that support these theoretical predictions. In addition, we provide supporting empirical evidence from real world elections. Hence, the interaction between turnout and strategic voting that has been neglected in most of the previous literature is shown to be important.

Suggested Citation

  • Aaron Kamm & Arthur Schram, 2013. "A Simultaneous Analysis of Turnout and Voting under Proportional Representation: Theory and Experiments," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 13-192/I, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20130192
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bernhard Kittel & Wolfgang Luhan & Rebecca Morton, 2014. "Communication and Voting in Multi‐party Elections: An Experimental Study," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 124(574), pages 196-225, February.
    2. Herrmann, Michael, 2008. "Expectations about coalitions and strategic voting under proportional representation," Papers 08-28, Sonderforschungsbreich 504.
    3. Helios Herrera & Massimo Morelli & Thomas Palfrey, 2014. "Turnout and Power Sharing," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 124(574), pages 131-162, February.
    4. Indridi H. Indridason, 2011. "Proportional Representation, Majoritarian Legislatures, and Coalitional Voting," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 55(4), pages 955-971, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesco De Sinopoli & Giovanna Iannantuoni & Valeria Maggian & Stefania Ottone, 2018. "A Two-Party System under the Proportional Rule is Possible: Strategic Voting in the Lab," Working Papers 381, University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Economics, revised 16 May 2018.
    2. Francesco De Sinopoli & Giovanna Iannantuoni & Maria Vittoria Levati & Ivan Soraperra, 2016. "Electing a parliament: an experimental study," Working Papers 11/2016, University of Verona, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Voting behavior; Proportional representation; Political participation; Strategic voting; Experimental Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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