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Lines in the Sand on the Australian Political Beach

Author

Listed:
  • Tim R.L. Fry
  • Sinclair Davidson
  • Lisa Farrell

Abstract

Spatial models of voting behaviour are the dominant paradigm in political science. Consistent with this approach, it will be the case that, ceteris paribus, voters should vote for the party nearest to them on the political spectrum. A key question is how we measure nearness or distance. We investigate this issue by estimating discrete choice models for voting outcomes using the 2001 Australian Election Study survey data. The evidence supports the proposition that it is perceived and not actual distance that performs best. Our findings also suggest that where a voter locates on the political spectrum is almost as good a predictor of their voting outcome as how close they are to the parties

Suggested Citation

  • Tim R.L. Fry & Sinclair Davidson & Lisa Farrell, 2004. "Lines in the Sand on the Australian Political Beach," Econometric Society 2004 Australasian Meetings 173, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:ausm04:173
    as

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    File URL: http://repec.org/esAUSM04/up.16336.1077759095.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. A. Smithies, 1941. "Optimum Location in Spatial Competition," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 49(3), pages 423-423.
    4. Mueller,Dennis C., 2003. "Public Choice III," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521894753, December.
    5. Lupia, Arthur, 1994. "Shortcuts Versus Encyclopedias: Information and Voting Behavior in California Insurance Reform Elections," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 88(1), pages 63-76, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Spatial Competition; Distance Measures; Discrete Choice;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities

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