Do mixed electoral systems encourage voter turnout?

Date

2008-04

Authors

Button, Patrick

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Regina, Graduate Students' Association

Abstract

Most of the literature on how different electoral systems affect voter turnout compares plurality-majority systems with proportional representation systems. There is, however, little research on how mixed systems affect voter turnout. My research uses a large international data set of parliamentary elections between 1960 and 2000 to investigate if there is any difference in voter turnout between mixed systems, plurality-majority systems, and proportional representation systems. A regression model is used to model voter turnout to empirically determine the extent to which the electoral system matters in determining voter turnout. The results of this research are particularly important for countries or provinces that are considering electoral reform to a mixed system as a way to mitigate decreasing voter turnout. The research will indicate if electoral reform will help increase voter turnout, or if it will be a failed attempt. My research uses a large international data set to run a regression model to determine if mixed electoral systems encourage voter turnout more than plurality-majority systems and proportional representation systems.

Description

Oral presentation at the 3rd Graduate Students' Research Conference, April 2008.

Keywords

Voter turnout, Electoral system, Electoral system reform, International elections, Factors that influence voter turnout, Statistical analysis

Citation