Electoral Rules and Voter Turnout

Smith, Daniel M.

Download This Paper

Open PDF in Browser

Add Paper to My Library

Electoral Rules and Voter Turnout

The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Systems, edited by Erik Herron, Robert Pekkanen, and Matthew S. Shugart, Forthcoming

27 Pages Posted: 18 Aug 2016 Last revised: 28 Aug 2016

See all articles by Daniel M. Smith

Daniel M. Smith

University of Pennsylvania

Date Written: August 27, 2016

Abstract

I review the main theoretical arguments and empirical evidence of the relationship between electoral rules and turnout, as well as the puzzles that have emerged from that literature. I then highlight some recent theoretical, methodological, and empirical advancements using subnational data that have refined our understanding about the interaction between electoral rules, competitiveness, and turnout. Finally, I explore new and promising directions for further research.

Keywords: electoral rules, competitiveness, mobilization, turnout

JEL Classification: D02, D72

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Smith, Daniel M., Electoral Rules and Voter Turnout (August 27, 2016). The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Systems, edited by Erik Herron, Robert Pekkanen, and Matthew S. Shugart, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2822904