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Do Closeness and Stake Increase Voter Turnout? Evidence from Election Results in Small French Towns in Brittany

Author

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  • Eric Dubois

    (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Matthieu Leprince

    (CREM - Centre de recherche en économie et management - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UR - Université de Rennes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This article explores the determinants of second-round voter turnout in small French towns with a focus on two hypotheses. First, an increase in the closeness of the race may lead to an increase in turnout. Second, a higher seats stake, that is, a higher proportion of the total number of seats that remain to be filled in the second round of the election, may increase turnout. Results show that increases in both closeness and seats stake lead to higher voter turnout. Thus, evidence is given in favour of the assumption of rationality in voting in local elections.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Dubois & Matthieu Leprince, 2017. "Do Closeness and Stake Increase Voter Turnout? Evidence from Election Results in Small French Towns in Brittany," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-01241827, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-01241827
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2015.1118029
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    as
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