Authors: Luís AguiarConraria Pedro C Magalhães
Publish Date: 2009/09/19
Volume: 144, Issue: 1-2, Pages: 63-81
Abstract
In this article we focus on the consequences of quorum requirements for turnout in referendums We use a rational choice decision theoretic voting model to demonstrate that participation quorums change the incentives some electors face inducing those who oppose changes in the status quo and expect to be in the minority to abstain As a result paradoxically participation quorums decrease electoral participation We test our model’s predictions using data for all referendums held in current European Union countries from 1970 until 2007 and show that the existence of a participation quorums increases abstention by more than ten percentage points
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