New research examines retention elections for state supreme courts.
This study analyzes 178 retention campaigns from 2002 to 2014, challenging the assumption that costly and competitive campaigns only occur in contested races. While prior work found such tactics increase turnout and challenger support,
Voter Behavior Shifts
this research explores uncompetitive races.
By scrutinizing expensive retainers, it reveals these high-profile contests significantly raise participation despite lacking traditional campaign salvoes.
Unexpected Consequence
The study finds costly campaigns also harm incumbents' retention chances.
This counterintuitive result suggests voters respond strongly to the perceived effort in even uncompetitive races. The findings demonstrate that partisan competition, regardless of ultimate outcome,
Broader Significance
heightens electoral engagement and may negatively impact incumbents.
Understanding this dynamic offers crucial insights into voter behavior across all electoral contexts.
| New-Style Campaigns in State Supreme Court Retention Elections was authored by David Hughes. It was published by Sage in SPPQ in 2019. |
