Ballot order effects: an analysis of Irish general elections

Regan, John (2012): Ballot order effects: an analysis of Irish general elections.

Abstract

This paper presents evidence of ballot order effects in Irish General Elections, where candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Data relating to elections from 1977 to 2011 suggest the effect is significant in a statistical sense and in magnitude. The nature of the Irish electoral system sees voters cast preferences for candidates, and as a result a greater level of information regarding voters becomes available. Various fixed effects are added to control for constituencies, candidates and political parties.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ballot order effects; Proportional Representation; Fixed Effects; Irish Elections; Maltese Elections
• Subjects: P - Economic Systems > P4 - Other Economic Systems > P48 - Political Economy ; Legal Institutions ; Property Rights ; Natural Resources ; Energy ; Environment ; Regional Studies; D - Microeconomics > D7 - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making > D72 - Political Processes: Rent-Seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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