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Another brick in the wall. Immigration and electoral preferences: Direct evidence from state ballots

Author

Listed:
  • Olivier Bargain

    (Larefi - Laboratoire d'analyse et de recherche en économie et finance internationales - UB - Université de Bordeaux)

  • Victor Stephane

    (GATE Lyon Saint-Étienne - Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon - Saint-Etienne - ENS de Lyon - École normale supérieure de Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Jérôme Valette

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

Abstract

We study the impact of immigration on electoral outcomes at the census tract level in California between 2010 and 2018. Information on actual ballot propositions is used to investigate immigrant‐related motives underlying a shift in political preferences. A rise in immigration is associated with a decrease in the support for Democratic candidates and measures. This effect is driven by policies pertaining to redistribution, public good provision, and justice/crime. It is stronger when immigrants are less assimilated and originate from poor and culturally distant countries.
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Suggested Citation

  • Olivier Bargain & Victor Stephane & Jérôme Valette, 2022. "Another brick in the wall. Immigration and electoral preferences: Direct evidence from state ballots," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-03621244, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-03621244
    DOI: 10.1111/roie.12606
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-03621244
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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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