Thursday, March 30, 2006
Voting
Do most folks recognize the costs and benefits associated with voting and education in the political realm? I think most economics point out (correctly) the reason so many Americans don't vote is because of the low marginal benefits (and utility) associated with voting and poltical action. I think this is a fair explanation. Additionally, the information costs of understanding political agendas and the expected actions of a politician might cost more than they are "worth". On the margin, citizens (at least in America) don't vote -- and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
I know it is not patriotic or I might "DIE", but it is perfectly rational to neglect to participate in the political game. I suppose you might call it rational ignorance.
Here is a post on the subject.
I know it is not patriotic or I might "DIE", but it is perfectly rational to neglect to participate in the political game. I suppose you might call it rational ignorance.
Here is a post on the subject.
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I remember reading, after Chile had free elections a few years ago (with a voter turnout of near 90%), that low voter participation might actually be a sign of an unobstrusive government.
In Chile, a fairly socialist country for example, who is in power might make a big difference in a person's life. So people have much more incentive to vote.
In the United States, a fairly free and open country, who is in power wont affect your daily life too much (exceptions of course). Incentives to vote are lower so voter turn out is lower.
I remember reading, after Chile had free elections a few years ago (with a voter turnout of near 90%), that low voter participation might actually be a sign of an unobstrusive government.
In Chile, a fairly socialist country for example, who is in power might make a big difference in a person's life. So people have much more incentive to vote.
In the United States, a fairly free and open country, who is in power wont affect your daily life too much (exceptions of course). Incentives to vote are lower so voter turn out is lower.
# posted by 
: 12:13 PM
: 12:13 PM
Related off topic:
I remember reading, after Chile had free elections a few years ago (with a voter turnout of near 90%), that low voter participation might actually be a sign of an unobstrusive government.
In Chile, a fairly socialist country for example, who is in power might make a big difference in a person's life. So people have much more incentive to vote.
In the United States, a fairly free and open country, who is in power wont affect your daily life too much (exceptions of course). Incentives to vote are lower so voter turn out is lower.
I remember reading, after Chile had free elections a few years ago (with a voter turnout of near 90%), that low voter participation might actually be a sign of an unobstrusive government.
In Chile, a fairly socialist country for example, who is in power might make a big difference in a person's life. So people have much more incentive to vote.
In the United States, a fairly free and open country, who is in power wont affect your daily life too much (exceptions of course). Incentives to vote are lower so voter turn out is lower.
# posted by : 12:13 PM
: 12:13 PM
I think the answer to this question lies mostly in game theory. The expected utility of voting is just not enough to entice most people to vote.
The cost (inconvenience, long lines, having to leave work early) is something real and measurable. The benefit, on the other hand, is usually something intangible. It's extremely rare (less chance than getting struck by lightning) that one vote tips the balance. Therefore, a voter's perceived utility of voting is normally psychological. Duty, responsibility, patriotism and the smugness that comes with an "I voted" sticker are what motivate most people to get to the ballot box.
Far be it from me to say that those rewards should be enough to "get out the vote."
The cost (inconvenience, long lines, having to leave work early) is something real and measurable. The benefit, on the other hand, is usually something intangible. It's extremely rare (less chance than getting struck by lightning) that one vote tips the balance. Therefore, a voter's perceived utility of voting is normally psychological. Duty, responsibility, patriotism and the smugness that comes with an "I voted" sticker are what motivate most people to get to the ballot box.
Far be it from me to say that those rewards should be enough to "get out the vote."
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