Paradox Of Voting

Question 1

Paradox of voting

Answer 1

Voting = costly (money, time, travel, queueing, info)

Only rational if B-C>0
Vote only counts if vote = decisive, pivotal (makes/breaks tie)
Rational: as B

Question 2

Solution 1

Answer 2

Civic duty
= duty contribute to democracy (Riker and Ordeshook 1973)
If nobody voted, democracy collapses (Downs 1957)
–> duty to vote
D encourages individuals to vote to avoid guilt not adhering social norm
= 3 in 5 voters’ decision to vote (Blais)

–> Ui(vote)= B - C + D> 0

Question 3

Solution 2

Answer 3

Costs aren’t very high

Low info costs- family / charisma / previous election

Parties lower monetary costs - travel, childcare

But doesn’t solve problem as B = v close 0, so I even w lower costs B still needs D

Question 4

Riker and Ordeshook 1973

Answer 4

Duty to contribute to democracy

Question 5

Downs 1957

Answer 5

If nobody votes democracy would collapse

Question 6

Blais

Answer 6

Civic duty can account for 3 in 5 voters’ decision to vote

Question 7

RCT?

Answer 7

Aim: explain political outcomes based on choices and actions rational individual actors (voters, politicians)

Goal seeking behaviour to utility max