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Measuring the relationship between voter turnout and health in Ireland

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  • Kevin Denny
  • Orla Doyle

Abstract

Health issues are an integral part of the political agenda in Ireland. Yet no study to date has examined the direct impact of health concerns on political outcomes. This study investigates the impact of health, both physical and psychological, and perceptions of the health service on voter turnout in Ireland using the European Social Survey in 2005. The results show that individuals with poor subjective health are significantly less likely to vote in a General Election. Dissatisfaction with the health service is also associated with a lower probability of voting. However these effects interact: those with poor health and who are dissatisfied with the health service are more likely to vote. Psychological well-being has no effect on voter turnout. The health effects identified in this study are large. Therefore, given the PR electoral system in Ireland, small changes in voter turnout could have dramatic consequences for electoral outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Denny & Orla Doyle, 2006. "Measuring the relationship between voter turnout and health in Ireland," Working Papers 200611, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucn:wpaper:200611
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10197/173
    File Function: First version, 2006
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Blakely, T.A. & Kennedy, B.P. & Kawachi, I., 2001. "Socioeconomic inequality in voting participation and self-rated health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(1), pages 99-104.
    2. Liam Delaney & Orla Doyle & Kenneth McKenzie & Pat Wall, 2007. "The Distribution of Well-Being in Ireland," Working Papers 200701, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    3. Kevin Denny & Patrick Orla Doyle, 2005. "“…Take up thy Bed, and Vote” Measuring the Relationship between Voting Behaviour and Indicators of Health," Working Papers 200522, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    4. Kelleher, C.C. & Lynch, J. & Harper, S. & Tay, J.B. & Nolan, G., 2004. "Hurling alone? How social capital failed to save the Irish from cardiovascular disease in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(12), pages 2162-2169.
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