Using Experiments to Estimate Racially Polarized Voting

40 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2015

See all articles by Marisa Abrajano

Marisa Abrajano

University of California, San Diego - Department of Political Science

Christopher S. Elmendorf

University of California, Davis - School of Law

Kevin M. Quinn

Emory University School of Law

Date Written: January 31, 2015

Abstract

“Racial polarization,” the linchpin issue in so-called vote dilution cases, has traditionally been measured using observational data and methods of ecological inference. However, strategic behavior by voters, potential candidates, and other political actors can make it difficult to infer polarization in political preferences from polarization in vote shares. We present a conjoint stated-preference experiment for investigating racial polarization and associated questions about disparate treatment of minority candidates. The design yields measures of racial polarization and disparate treatment, and can guide courts in their use of observational data.

Suggested Citation

Abrajano, Marisa and Elmendorf, Christopher S. and Quinn, Kevin M., Using Experiments to Estimate Racially Polarized Voting (January 31, 2015). UC Davis Legal Studies Research Paper No. 419, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2569982 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2569982

Marisa Abrajano

University of California, San Diego - Department of Political Science ( email )

9500 Gilman Drive
Code 0521
La Jolla, CA 92093-0521
United States

Christopher S. Elmendorf (Contact Author)

University of California, Davis - School of Law ( email )

Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall
Davis, CA CA 95616-5201
United States
530-752-5756 (Phone)
530-753-5311 (Fax)

Kevin M. Quinn

Emory University School of Law ( email )

1301 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

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