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Does State Online Voter Registration Increase Voter Turnout?

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  • Jinhai Yu

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the impact of U.S. state online registration reforms on voter turnout. More states have been adopting online voter registration in recent years. Investigating the impact of the policy on voter turnout can inform policy making and contribute to our knowledge of political behavior. Methods The methods of this study include difference‐in‐difference analysis and instrumental variable analysis. Using the Current Population Survey data between 2000 and 2014, I conduct a difference‐in‐difference analysis at the state level and then an instrumental variable analysis at the individual level. Results The results of this study demonstrate that state online voter registration increases voter turnout. The difference‐in‐difference analysis shows that the states’ implementation of online voter registration increases the turnout of young voters by about 3 percentage points in presidential election years. The instrumental variable analysis shows that the usage of online registration by voters increases their turnout by about 18 to 20 percentage points. Conclusion The conclusion of this study is that state online voter registration reforms are generally effective in increasing voter turnout. There are nontrivial positive effects of online registration on turnout, especially for young people during presidential election years.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinhai Yu, 2019. "Does State Online Voter Registration Increase Voter Turnout?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 100(3), pages 620-634, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:100:y:2019:i:3:p:620-634
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12598
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Papich, 2024. "Do Democracy Vouchers help democracy?," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 42(1), pages 4-24, January.
    2. Alexander James & Nathaly M. Rivera & Brock Smith, 2022. "Cash Transfer and Voter Turnout," Working Papers wp536, University of Chile, Department of Economics.

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