Recent economic voting research has examined the local economy's influence on political support but found inconsistent results. This article proposes that citizens' responsiveness to the local economy depends on how frequently they interact with it, a process termed 'context priming'. Specifically, using granular Danish registry data linked to election returns and an individual-level panel survey, we demonstrate that contact with housing markets makes economic evaluations more sensitive to changes in local housing prices. The findings suggest individuals update their assessments based on recent market experiences.

Data & Methods

The study combines:

• Granular data from Danish public registries tracking housing price fluctuations

• Precinct-level election return records

• An individual-level panel survey capturing personal economic interactions

This integrated approach allows us to precisely observe the relationship between local encounters and political responsiveness.

Key Findings

Housing market engagement significantly increases citizens' sensitivity to changes in local housing prices:

• Recent, frequent exposure shapes how individuals evaluate the economy

• This heightened awareness translates into more responsive voting behavior toward incumbents

The "context priming" framework explains previously ambiguous findings by emphasizing experiential relevance over generalized economic knowledge.

Why It Matters

This research provides a crucial mechanism for understanding local economic voting:

👉 Economic perceptions aren't just abstract concepts but rooted in lived experiences

👉 Political messaging about the economy should consider citizens' recent material encounters

These insights offer a nuanced perspective on how ordinary people engage with governmental performance during economic times.