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Identification and Estimation of Preference Distributions When Voters Are Ideological

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  • Merlo, Antonio

    (Rice U)

  • de Paula, Aureo

    (University College London)

Abstract

This paper studies the nonparametric identification and estimation of voters' preferences when voters are ideological. We establish that voter preference distributions and other parameters of interest can be identified from aggregate electoral data. We also show that these objects can be consistently estimated and illustrate our analysis by performing an actual estimation using data from the 1999 European Parliament elections.

Suggested Citation

  • Merlo, Antonio & de Paula, Aureo, 2015. "Identification and Estimation of Preference Distributions When Voters Are Ideological," Working Papers 15-007, Rice University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:riceco:15-007
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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