Journal article
An Experimental Study of Voting Rules and Polls in Three-Candidate Elections
International journal of game theory, Vol.25(3), pp.355-383
01/01/1996
DOI: 10.1007/BF02425262
Abstract
We report the results of elections conducted in a laboratory setting, modeled on a three-candidate example due to Borda. By paying subjects conditionally on election outcomes, we create electorates with (publicly) known preferences. We compare the results of experiments with and without non-binding pre-election polls under plurality rule, approval voting, and Borda rule. We also refer to a theory of voting "equilibria," which makes sharp predictions concerning individual voter behavior and election outcomes. We find that Condorcet losers occasionally win regardless of the voting rule or presence of polls. Diverger's law (which asserts the predominance of two candidates) appears to hold under plurality rule, but close three-way races often arise under approval voting and Borda rule. Voters appear to poll and vote strategically. In elections, voters usually cast votes that are consistent with a single equilibrium, although that equilibrium varies by experimental group and voting rule. Coauthors are Thomas Rietz, Roger Myerson, and Robert Weber.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An Experimental Study of Voting Rules and Polls in Three-Candidate Elections
- Creators
- Robert Forsythe - University of IowaThomas A Rietz - FinanceRoger Myerson - Northwestern UniversityRobert Weber - Northwestern University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of game theory, Vol.25(3), pp.355-383
- DOI
- 10.1007/BF02425262
- ISSN
- 0020-7276
- eISSN
- 1432-1270
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/1996
- Academic Unit
- Economics; Finance
- Record Identifier
- 9984380509702771
Metrics
1 Record Views