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Self-signaling in voting

Author

Listed:
  • Lydia Mechtenberg

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Grischa Perino

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Nicolas Treich

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Jean-Robert Tyran

    (University of Vienna [Vienna])

  • Stéphanie W. Wang

    (PITT - University of Pittsburgh - Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE))

Abstract

This paper presents a two-wave survey experiment to examine the impact of self-image concerns on voting behavior. We elicit votes on a ballot initiative on animal welfare in Switzerland that spurred campaigns involving widely shared normative values. We send a message to voters about scientific evidence supporting the claim that "good-hearted people tend to be good to animals." We interpret this message as a factor that may alter the self-signaling value linked to voting in favor of the initiative. We investigate how this message affects selection and processing of information, as well as reported voting behavior. We find that the message is effective in several ways: voters agree more with arguments in favor of the initiative, are more likely to anticipate voting in favor, and do report having voted in favor of the initiative more often.

Suggested Citation

  • Lydia Mechtenberg & Grischa Perino & Nicolas Treich & Jean-Robert Tyran & Stéphanie W. Wang, 2024. "Self-signaling in voting," Post-Print hal-04472205, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04472205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105070
    as

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    Keywords

    Information processing; Animal welfare; Voting; Self-image; Multi-wave field experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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