Michael M. Bechtel|Dominik Hangartner|Lukas Schmid
Does Compulsory Voting Increase Support for Leftist Policy?
University of St. Gallen|University of Zurich|University of St. Gallen
citizens unequally participate referendums may systematically bias policy favor vote view compulsory voting important tool alleviate problem whereas others worry detrimental effects legitimacy quality democratic decision making far however lack systematic knowledge causal effect compulsory voting public policy argue sanctioned compulsory voting mobilizes citizens bottom income distribution translates increase support leftist policies empirically explore effects sanctioned compulsory voting law directdemocratic decision making switzerland find compulsory voting significantly increases electoral support leftist policy positions referendums 20 percentage points discuss implications results understanding policy consequences electoral institutions