The Effect of Partisan Cynicism on Voter Turnout in U.S. Elections

• In Event: (De)Mobilizing the Alienated and Discontent

Abstract

Scholars are divided on the effect of political cynicism on democratic behaviors such as voter turnout. Some find evidence that political cynicism erodes voter turnout while others argue political cynicism represents nothing more than a heightened interest in politics, having either a null effect on or an increase in turnout. One reason for these conflicting results is the inability of current measures of political cynicism to account for the partisan target of cynical views. Using data from a 2022 YouGov survey and a novel survey experiment I examine the effect of political cynicism on voter turnout when the partisan target is accounted for. Preliminary results show that political cynicism does inhibit voter turnout, but only when it is directed at politicians of both parties. This is to say that when partisans become increasingly cynical of the in-party they become less likely to vote. This paper offers new theoretical insight on when and how political cynicism diminishes turnout.

Author

• Lucas James Lothamer, University of Houston