Are American Presidential Campaigns Just Too Darn Long?

• In Event: Do Electoral Systems Ask Too Much of Voters?

Abstract

One of the most conspicuous characteristics of American presidential campaigns, especially when viewed in comparative perspective, is how long they are. Since the "reform" of the presidential nomination process in the early 1970s, the entire campaign, nomination plus general election, lasts about a year and three quarters. Even the general election, measured by the time between the date on which both nomination contests are settled and the day of the general election, now lasts about seven months. In this paper, I examine the costs and benefits of these long campaigns. In particular, I look at whether the public learns significantly more about the candidates during this extended campaign period.

Author

• William G. Mayer, Northeastern University