Work

Compulsory civic duty and turnout: evidence from a natural experiment

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: We study the effect of compulsory civic duty on turnout. We take advantage of a natural experiment in Spain, where electoral officers are selected through a lottery and being an electoral officer is compulsory for those drafted. We analyze whether acting as an officer changes turnout and attitudes in subsequent elections. Our findings show that compulsory civic duty has a strong short-term and positive effect on electoral participation, but has no impact on political attitudes. The positive effect of the civic duty treatment, however, fades after a few months. Our results have implications for theories about civic duty and the formation of political habits.

Source: Political Science Research and Methods

DOI: 10.1017/psrm.2023.44

Authors: Joaquin Artes, Ignacio Jurado

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Electoral Systems and Political Participation

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,255