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Analysis of determinants of voter turnout in Indian states for election years 1991–2019

Author

Listed:
  • Shruthi Mohan Menon

    (Delhi Policy Group)

  • Gerard Rassendren

    (CHRIST (Deemed to be University))

Abstract

Elections, considered the flagship to the emergence of a new government and a new era is a platform replete with exuberance and vibrancy in all forms. No election is complete without its voters who form the backbone behind the success of democracy. Democracy means elections and free and fair elections mean democracy. The present study is a focus on economic determinants of voter turnout in India since 1991 till date (2019 elections). Economics of voting is a study that encompasses analysis of both economists and political scientists in an attempt to study the economic forces influencing political outcome of the country. In this study, relevant forces determining voter turnout and their impact on political outcomes have been emphasized upon. The data are collected across regions and is characterized using panel regression. Economic factors influencing voter turnout are explored using pooled regression and fixed effect model. Results suggest that as India goes to vote, factors such as income employment influence turnout. Literacy (GER) and urban voter turnout do not influence voter turnout. Lack of efficient governance, bureaucratic loopholes, corruption, large-scale migration and others are some of the potent causes of low turnout.

Suggested Citation

  • Shruthi Mohan Menon & Gerard Rassendren, 2022. "Analysis of determinants of voter turnout in Indian states for election years 1991–2019," Journal of Social and Economic Development, Springer;Institute for Social and Economic Change, vol. 24(1), pages 30-45, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jsecdv:v:24:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s40847-022-00179-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s40847-022-00179-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helios Herrera & Massimo Morelli & Salvatore Nunnari, 2016. "Turnout Across Democracies," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 60(3), pages 607-624, July.
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    5. Lisa Schur, 2003. "Employment and the Creation of an Active Citizenry," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 41(4), pages 751-771, December.
    6. Powell, G. Bingham, 1986. "American Voter Turnout in Comparative Perspective," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 80(1), pages 17-43, March.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Elections; Voters; Turnout; Economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P40 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - General
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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