Direct Democracy and Voter Turnout

This empirical study seeks to broaden the interpretation of the "rational voter model" so as to include the potential effects of "direct democracy" on the voter participation rate. Direct democracy is assumed to take two forms: initiatives and popular referenda. This study tests the hypothesis that direct democracy may not on balance significantly affect voter turnout because, although it may elevate the expected gross benefits of voting by "empowering voters," the transactions/information costs correlative with direct democracy raise the costs of voting. Using cross-section analysis for the 50 states for the 2004 general election, this study finds that the existence of initiatives and/or referenda does not significantly influence voter turnout. Copyright © 2008 American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Inc..