The Expansion of the Small Donorate in Electoral Politics

• In Event: Poster Session: Predicting Political Participation

Abstract

We examine changes in the size and geographic location of the small donorate in a variety of states where campaign contribution data is available for every donor no matter how small the amount contributed (down to single dollars and cents). We document the impressive emergence of new donors across a variety of states, and for several recent election cycles. We draw insightful contrasts across political party of the contribution, as well as the elected offices to which contributions are directed.

Authors

• James G. Gimpel, University of Maryland, College Park

• Isabelle Gibson, University of Maryland