Work

Selling their vote expensively: The effects of information, apathy and age

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: People’s attitudes towards vote buying have often been studied through the lenses of its acceptability as a norm in society or the drivers behind the decision to accept money if offered. However, we know little about the financial value that voters attach to their vote. To fill this gap in the literature, this research note analyzes what makes people accept different sums of money in exchange for their votes. It uses a survey conducted in Romania after the 2020 legislative elections and shows that most respondents reject any sum of money. Among those willing to accept money, the voters who have limited information, who rarely participate politically and those who are young are inclined to ask higher sums for their vote. Partisanship has mild effects, but poverty and trust in parties do not make a difference.

Source: Party Politics

DOI: 10.1177/13540688241311866

Authors: Sergiu Gherghina, Paul Tap

Institutions: University of Glasgow, Babeș-Bolyai University

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: $3,450