Voters in Latin America often face unrepresentative political systems. In such contexts, some citizens choose to cast null votes as a form of protest.

In this study, we examine the patterns and drivers behind this voting behavior,

using survey data from Peru and Brazil alongside qualitative insights.

Context & Methodology

* Countries studied: Peru and Brazil

* Data sources: National surveys combining quantitative (e.g., ANES-style polls) with qualitative interviews to understand motivations

Our findings reveal that null votes are a strategic response by citizens dissatisfied with the status quo. Citizens facing specific political grievances or lacking trust in representatives disproportionately use this tactic.

Key Findings & Motivations

* Primary grievance: Perceived lack of substantive representation options

* Secondary motivation: Expressing frustration with institutional responsiveness

* Not random: Significantly higher rates among citizens monitoring government performance closely

This means that null voting provides crucial data on citizen dissatisfaction and effective protest mechanisms. It highlights how formal electoral systems can fail to capture political dissent appropriately.

Implications for Representation Research

The practice underscores the need for more nuanced measures of descriptive representation beyond simple ballot casting.