This study explores how voters' decisions about re-electing representatives are influenced by group identities.

A laboratory experiment reveals that inducing social identity changes voter behavior: they increasingly base their choices on observable effort rather than beliefs about competence. When representatives belong to the same group, voters show less concern for perceived ability and more focus on tangible work.

Interestingly, 'out-group' representatives appear to compensate by working harder when voters might overlook their lower competence. Meanwhile, some voters actively resist this identity bias, potentially overcompensating in response to others who demonstrate intergroup fairness.

These findings highlight how group affiliations reshape accountability dynamics in democratic systems.