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Conformity, information and truthful voting

Author

Listed:
  • Bernado Moreno

    (Department of Economic Theory, Universidad de Málaga)

  • María del Pino Ramos-Sosa

    (Department of Economic Theory, Universidad de Málaga)

  • Ismael Rodríguez-Lara

    (Department of Economics, Middlesex University London)

Abstract

We induce conformity in a binary-decision voting game by assuming that agents may derive some utility by voting the same option that others. Theoretically, we show that truthful voting is the unique equilibrium without conformity. Introducing conformity enlarges the set of equilibria, which includes voting profiles in which agents do not necessarily vote for their preferred option. If agents are informed that others will vote truthfully, truthful voting is more pervasive in equilibrium. In our setting, the effects of conformity and information depend on the voting rule and the preferred option of each agent. We provide empirical support for our theoretical predictions by means of a laboratory experiment.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernado Moreno & María del Pino Ramos-Sosa & Ismael Rodríguez-Lara, 2016. "Conformity, information and truthful voting," Working Papers 2016-01, Universidad de Málaga, Department of Economic Theory, Málaga Economic Theory Research Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:mal:wpaper:2016-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Issue-Silence; truthful voting; conformity; information; experimental evidence.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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