Chapter 8 VOTING, CAMPAIGNS, AND ELECTIONS Behavioral Focus: Approaches to Understanding Voting Behavior © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Three Schools of American Voting Behavior Columbia School—Stresses the role of group influences (sociological factors) on voting. Rational Choice Theory— (economized logic based calculations). Individuals vote for those candidates who will maximize benefits; conversely, the cost of voting must be reduced. This is premised on the assumption of a rational voter. University of Michigan School—Attitudes (psychological attachments) affect voting. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Columbia School Stresses the role of group influences (sociological factors) on voting Relies on group identification (remember collective action from Chapter 6) Individual preferences have little impact on voting Political campaigns are unlikely to persuade voters to change their support or radically alter their choices of candidates. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Rational Choice Theory Individuals vote for those candidates who will maximize benefits; conversely, the cost of voting must be reduced. Voter evaluates candidate based upon retrospective voting (one election cycle) to determine if he/she will maximize self-interests (the benefits). Considers voting myopic or concerned with short-term benefits The probability of supporting a candidate is determined by the sum of subtracting the benefits from the costs. Therefore: If sum is positive, voter will support the candidate. If sum is negative, candidate will not receive the individual’s vote. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Rational Choice Theory Civic duty (social responsibility) of a citizen voting is considered a benefit. Rational choice theory states it is rational for a person to abstain from voting if the costs of voting outweigh the benefits of supporting any one candidate. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

University of Michigan School Attitudes (psychological attachments) affect voting Party identification significantly influences an individual’s vote. Psychological attachments are formed early in life and thus party attachment and voting trends may be seen as long-term associations. Yet, short-term factors (economic downturns or other crisis) may also influence voting © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Voting Turnout in the U.S.

Voting Turnout in the U.S. cont.

How do Voters Make Up Their Minds? Two types of voting: Sophisticated voters: Individuals cast their vote based upon understanding the issues and knowing the candidate’s stance on the issues. Unsophisticated voters: Individuals vote, not according to issues, but based upon their perceptions of the candidate. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

How do Voters Make Up Their Minds? Information: Heuristics—voting cues; shortcuts to gain information on a candidate’s position or ideology. Party identification Ideology schema: an established “package” of ideas re candidate Candidate appearance Endorsements (newspaper editorials, organizations, individuals) Polling (issues) Issue knowledge © 2011 Taylor & Francis

In the U.S. Voter Turnout is Low

What are Some Ways to Improve Voting? Premise: a democratic government relies upon citizen participation to be successful Political scientists believe that voter turnout will be more likely to increase if the cost of voting is reduced. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

History of Voter Turnout in American Elections

What are Some Ways to Improve Voting? Some institutional changes or mechanisms that have led to increased voter turnout in other countries: Compulsory voting Fines for not voting Changing the day of voting Multiple days for voting Have all elections on one day per year Accessibility of information Increase the numbers of political parties Easier voter registration © 2011 Taylor & Francis

What are Some Ways to Improve Voting? Registering to vote is the most significant impairment to increased levels of voting in the United States. Congress reduced the burden of registering to vote by passing the National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Bill) of 1993 So, what are other avenues to increase voter turnout in the United States? © 2011 Taylor & Francis