Polarization and Issue-Selection in Electoral Campaigns

• In Event: Elections and Electoral Systems

Abstract

The strategy of candidates regarding which policy issues to emphasize during electoral campaigns is an important aspect of electoral competition. In this paper, we advance research on electoral competition by developing a model of electoral competition through issue selection to investigate whether issues on which voters are more polarized or issues on which parties are more polarized are more likely to be advertised in electoral contests. We show that candidates have more incentives to advertise issues on which parties are more polarized rather than issues on which voters' policy positions are more polarized. The analysis provides a theoretical foundation for moving toward a more complete understanding of the content of campaign communication on ideological issues.

Authors

• Tiberiu C. Dragu, New York University

• Xiaochen Fan, New York University