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The Mobilizing Effect of Party System Polarization. Evidence From Europe

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  • Ellger, Fabio

Abstract

Does party system polarization mobilize voters? Polarization is increasingly shaping democratic competition across Europe. While often perceived to be negative, polarization can be an effective remedy against voter disengagement. This paper investigates two distinct, but often conflated mechanisms, which could explain why polarization leads to mobilization. Spatial polarization of parties diversifies electoral options at the ballot, while affective polarization mobilizes based on emotional considerations. This article then shows the link between polarization and turnout across 22 European countries. The results are complemented by a difference-in-differences analysis of German local elections. However, voting results alone do not inform about the mechanism at play. Survey data is used to show that negative affect appears to be the main driver of voter participation. Party polarization thus has ambivalent consequences for democracies: It mobilizes the electorate, but its effect is driven by negative emotions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellger, Fabio, 2024. "The Mobilizing Effect of Party System Polarization. Evidence From Europe," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 57(8), pages 1310-1338.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:307747
    DOI: 10.1177/00104140231194059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lelkes, Yphtach, 2021. "Policy over party: comparing the effects of candidate ideology and party on affective polarization," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(1), pages 189-196, January.
    2. Hetherington, Marc J., 2001. "Resurgent Mass Partisanship: The Role of Elite Polarization," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 95(3), pages 619-631, September.
    3. Gerber, Alan S. & Green, Donald P. & Larimer, Christopher W., 2008. "Social Pressure and Voter Turnout: Evidence from a Large-Scale Field Experiment," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 102(1), pages 33-48, February.
    4. Christopher McConnell & Yotam Margalit & Neil Malhotra & Matthew Levendusky, 2018. "The Economic Consequences of Partisanship in a Polarized Era," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 62(1), pages 5-18, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Susanszky, Pal & Borbáth, Endre, 2025. "The Effect of Politicization on Protest Participation in Non‐Democracies: The Case of Hungary," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 106(6), pages 1-10.
    2. repec:osf:osfxxx:h967e_v2 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Arend, Tom & Ellger, Fabio & Valentim, António, 2025. "Green Party Entry and Conservative Backlash: Evidence from Germany," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 55, pages 1-22.
    4. Kittel, Rebecca C., 2025. "Let's talk populist? A survey experiment on effects of (non‐) populist discourse on vote choice," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 64, pages 719-743.

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