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A Cost Benefit Analysis of Voting

Author

Listed:
  • Cebula, Richard
  • McGrath, Richard
  • Paul, Chris

Abstract

This study empirically estimates the determinants of aggregate voter participation rates between 1960 and 1996 using instrumental variables. Other things equal, an increase in the public’s dissatisfaction with politicians decreases voter participation, an increase in the highest marginal tax rate increases voter participation, and Watergate had a sustained negative effect on voter participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cebula, Richard & McGrath, Richard & Paul, Chris, 2002. "A Cost Benefit Analysis of Voting," MPRA Paper 58430, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:58430
    as

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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/58430/1/MPRA_paper_58430.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thomas Schwartz, 1987. "Your vote counts on account of the way it is counted: An institutional solution to the paradox of not voting," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 54(2), pages 101-121, January.
    2. Ashenfelter, Orley C & Kelley, Stanley, Jr, 1975. "Determinants of Participation in Presidential Elections," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 18(3), pages 695-733, December.
    3. Greene, Kenneth V & Nikolaev, Oleg, 1999. "Voter Participation and the Redistributive State," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 98(1-2), pages 213-226, January.
    4. Lapp, Miriam, 1999. "Incorporating Groups into Rational Choice Explanations of Turnout: An Empirical Test," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 98(1-2), pages 171-185, January.
    5. Anthony Downs, 1957. "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65, pages 135-135.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    presidential election year; maximum marginal tax rate; Watergate scandal; public dissatisfaction with government;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance

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