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Local Representation and Voter Mobilization in Closed-list Proportional Representation Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Fiva, Jon H.
  • Halse, Askill H.
  • Smith, Daniel M.

Abstract

We investigate whether geographic representation affects local voting behavior in closed-list proportional representation (PR) systems, where conventional theoretical wisdom suggests a limited role of localism in voter preferences. Using detailed data on Norwegian parliamentary candidates' hometowns, we show that parties engage in geographic balancing when constructing candidate lists. However, because most districts contain more municipalities than seats, not all municipalities will ultimately see a local candidate elected. A regression discontinuity design applied to marginal candidates reveals that parties obtain higher within-district support in subsequent elections in incumbents' hometowns — novel evidence of "friends-and-neighbors" voting in an otherwise party-centered environment. Exploring the mechanisms, we find that represented municipalities often continue to have locally-connected candidates in top positions, in contrast to municipalities with losing candidates, and are more frequently referenced in legislative speeches. There is no evidence that unequal representation creates inequalities in distributive policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fiva, Jon H. & Halse, Askill H. & Smith, Daniel M., 2021. "Local Representation and Voter Mobilization in Closed-list Proportional Representation Systems," Quarterly Journal of Political Science, now publishers, vol. 16(2), pages 185-213, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:now:jlqjps:100.00019147
    DOI: 10.1561/100.00019147
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Crutzen, Benoît S.Y. & Sahuguet, Nicolas, 2023. "Comparative politics with intraparty candidate selection," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    2. Jon H. Fiva & Oda Nedregård & Henning Øien, 2021. "Polarization in Parliamentary Speech," CESifo Working Paper Series 8818, CESifo.
    3. Gary W. Cox & Jon H. Fiva & Daniel M. Smith & Rune J. Sørensen, 2020. "Moral Hazard in Electoral Teams," CESifo Working Paper Series 8357, CESifo.
    4. Gary W. Cox & Jon H. Fiva & Max-Emil M. King, 2023. "Bound by Borders: Voter Mobilization through Social Networks," CESifo Working Paper Series 10718, CESifo.
    5. Cox, Gary W. & Fiva, Jon H. & Smith, Daniel M. & Sørensen, Rune J., 2021. "Moral hazard in electoral teams: List rank and campaign effort," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    6. Oskari Harjunen & Tuukka Saarimaa & Janne Tukiainen, 2021. "Love Thy (Elected) Neighbor? Residential Segregation, Political Representation and Local Public Goods," Discussion Papers 138, Aboa Centre for Economics.

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