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Do Symbolic Penalties Work? Evidence from Compulsory Voting Laws in Argentina

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  • Miriam Malament

    (Department of Economics, Universidad de San Andrés)

Abstract

Do symbolic penalties work? This paper provides causal evidence that even minimal, unenforced legal sanctions can influence civic behavior. I study a 2012 reform in Argentina that introduced optional voting for 16- to 17-year-olds, while voting from age 18 remained compulsory and formally subject to a small, unindexed fine of 50 pesos. Using a regression discontinuity design and administrative data from 15 national elections between 2015 and 2023, I find that turnout increases by about 20 percentage points at age 18, despite negligible enforcement. Complementary evidence from national survey data suggests this effect reflects expressive compliance: symbolic penalties act as normative signals, activating a sense of civic duty rather than deterring through material sanctions. The response is especially pronounced among lower-income and lower-education youth. These findings offer rare causal evidence that symbolic penalties can shape civic behavior by appealing to internalized civic norms rather than fear of punishment.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Malament, 2025. "Do Symbolic Penalties Work? Evidence from Compulsory Voting Laws in Argentina," Young Researchers Working Papers 17, Universidad de San Andres, Departamento de Economia, revised Sep 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:sad:ypaper:17
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    File URL: https://webacademicos.udesa.edu.ar/pub/econ/ydoc17.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • K10 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - General (Constitutional Law)
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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