Logo image
Does ranked choice Voting Increase voter turnout and mobilization?
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Does ranked choice Voting Increase voter turnout and mobilization?

E. Dowling, C. Tolbert, N. Micatka and T. Donovan
Electoral studies, Vol.90, 102816
08/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.electstud.2024.102816
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electstud.2024.102816View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Many jurisdictions in the United States have recently adopted single-winner ranked choice voting (RCV) to replace first-past-the-post plurality elections. This study contributes to the literature examining the potential consequences of changing to RCV by modeling the relationship between electoral systems and voter turnout. We propose that RCV may increase turnout by incentivizing increased contacts with voters. Previous attempts at assessing the relationship between RCV and turnout in the US have been limited by a lack of individual-level turnout data measured across all cases where RCV is and is not used. The study utilizes large, unique data from administrative voter turnout records that overcomes this limitation. We find significant and substantially higher probabilities of turnout in places that use RCV, and find evidence that campaigns in RCV places have greater incidences of direct voter contacting than in similar places that do not use RCV.
Electoral systems Mobilization Ranked-choice voting Voter turnout

Details

Metrics

Logo image