Spanish local elections provided a natural experiment to compare voter turnout under different systems.
Electoral Systems Compared
- System 1: Closed list proportional representation
- System 2: Open list, plurality-at-large system allowing candidate votes
Using regression discontinuity design based on municipal population size thresholds mandated by national law:
Key Findings
- The open list system increased turnout by approximately 1-2 percentage points compared to closed lists.
- This competitive structure within and across parties appears directly linked to higher participation rates.
Real-World Significance
This suggests electoral reforms favoring open PR systems could significantly boost democratic engagement in Spain.
