Compulsory Voting Drastically Shifts Election Outcomes in Switzerland

Does forcing people to vote change their policy preferences?

This study investigates how a mandated compulsory voting law affects democratic decision-making.

Context & Motivation:

The unequal participation in Swiss referendums may influence policy outcomes. While some support mandatory voting as a way to balance representation, others worry about its impact on democracy's legitimacy and quality.

Data & Methods:

Our analysis examines the effects of compulsory voting legislation implemented across Switzerland.

We compare voter turnout and referendum results before and after the law was enacted,

focusing specifically on how lower-income citizens were mobilized.

Key Findings:

The study reveals that mandatory voting significantly boosts support for leftist policy positions in referendums.

This effect, potentially equivalent to up to 20 percentage points increase among less affluent voters,

demonstrates substantial mobilization effects by the state-sanctioned participation requirement.

Implications:

These findings suggest compulsory voting can fundamentally reshape public opinion and referendum outcomes.

The results challenge assumptions about representative democracy's balance between inclusivity and autonomy while highlighting unintended consequences of state intervention in electoral behavior.