Communication Gaps Shape Accountability: How Citizen Perceptions Matter

Does the responsiveness of elected officials to constituent communication correlate with their descriptive representation? This study investigates citizen evaluations of legislator-constituent interactions. We conducted a survey experiment using data collected from citizens across multiple US states, testing reactions to different forms of official outreach—whether through town halls or digital correspondence—and how these perceptions influence support for policy responsiveness and overall accountability assessments.

Key Findings:

• Citizens significantly evaluate their representatives' communication practices.
• Responsive interactions enhance approval ratings regardless of partisan alignment.
• Digital contact does not inherently substitute for in-person engagement.

Real-World Significance:

These findings demonstrate that seemingly minor variations in how officials communicate can substantially shape accountability mechanisms and descriptive representation outcomes.