Ballots often list candidates in specific positions (e.g., top vs bottom). Does this position affect voter choice?
This study investigates two prominent theories: cue-taking and satisficing. We used quasi-experimental methods to analyze voting data from US elections.
Testing Theories
- Examined how ballot placement affects voter perception via randomized experiments across Canadian electoral cycles
- Compared the predictive power of position-based cues with other candidate characteristics in statistical models
Balanced Findings
- Demonstrated that both theories explain observed voting patterns effectively (p-value < .01)
- Found significant effects for top-positioned candidates regardless of their substantive qualifications
- Revealed bottom-position bias varies by electoral context and candidate type
Political Implications
These insights suggest ballot formatting may introduce systematic biases affecting election outcomes. Candidates' strategic placement could influence voter decision-making even without changing voter information.
