Registration costs and voter turnout

Abstract

We exploit a natural experiment in Massachusetts in 2012 to estimate the causal effect of lowering voter information and registration costs on: voter registration, turnout and voting behavior in presidential elections. Both a within-Massachusetts specification and a cross-state specification (utilizing Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire data) show a statistically significant effect on voter registration and turnout that is of a material magnitude. However, conditional on registration we find no material difference in turnout. Finally, we find a large treatment effect on Democrat voteshare. Our results highlight the importance of voter registration and information costs for electoral participation, especially for citizens from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Does enfranchisement affect fiscal policy? Theory and empirical evidence on Brazil

“…Hassell and Settle (2017) find that life stress reduces turnout for those individuals who are not routinely involved in the electoral process. Bhatt et al (2019) find statistical evidence that reducing registration costs increases both voter registration and voter turnout. Furthermore, the paper "highlights the importance of voter registration costs for electoral participation, especially for citizens from lower socioeconomic backgrounds."…”

Reform of electoral law and practice

“…This can complement compulsory registration and rather than just a financial penalty, citizens might need to register to voter to access certain services. An intervention in the United States that included voter registration along with access to social services was linked to an increase in turnout from people in lower socioeconomic groups (Bhatt et al, 2020). A cross-check system should be implemented to prevent double registrations.…”