Manchester University Press
4 Compulsory voting and election campaigns
Abstract
This chapter is devoted to considering how compulsory electoral participation affects electoral campaigns and related attitudes. It seeks to determine the impact of this institution on campaign-related behaviour and dispositions relevant to campaigns. Compulsory electoral participation can be expected to alter the incentive structure voters face when considering elections. It will thus invariably alter the way in which those seeking to win their votes appeal to the electorate, and, in turn, the way voters react to electoral campaigns. From the perspective of electoral contestants, the main difference between an election held under voluntary voting and one held under compulsory turnout is that in the former it is necessary to place emphasis on mobilisation to get one's supporters to the polls, whereas in the latter this is taken care of by the legal framework.
Abstract
This chapter is devoted to considering how compulsory electoral participation affects electoral campaigns and related attitudes. It seeks to determine the impact of this institution on campaign-related behaviour and dispositions relevant to campaigns. Compulsory electoral participation can be expected to alter the incentive structure voters face when considering elections. It will thus invariably alter the way in which those seeking to win their votes appeal to the electorate, and, in turn, the way voters react to electoral campaigns. From the perspective of electoral contestants, the main difference between an election held under voluntary voting and one held under compulsory turnout is that in the former it is necessary to place emphasis on mobilisation to get one's supporters to the polls, whereas in the latter this is taken care of by the legal framework.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables vii
- Preface ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 A history of compulsory voting and an overview of contemporary experience 20
- 3 Normative arguments for and against compulsory voting 40
- 4 Compulsory voting and election campaigns 59
- 5 Compulsory voting and electoral turnout 79
- 6 Compulsory voting, electoral integrity and democratic legitimacy 99
- 7 Compulsory voting and political outcomes 118
- 8 Conclusion 136
- Appendix 155
- References 163
- Index 179
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables vii
- Preface ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 A history of compulsory voting and an overview of contemporary experience 20
- 3 Normative arguments for and against compulsory voting 40
- 4 Compulsory voting and election campaigns 59
- 5 Compulsory voting and electoral turnout 79
- 6 Compulsory voting, electoral integrity and democratic legitimacy 99
- 7 Compulsory voting and political outcomes 118
- 8 Conclusion 136
- Appendix 155
- References 163
- Index 179
