Destabilization or Revitalization? Party Polarization and Voter Mobilization

• In Event: Causes and Consequences of Party Positions

Abstract

Why does polarization mobilize voters? Polarization is shaping democratic competition in European multiparty systems and increases ideological distances among parties which become less willing to compromise. While these characteristics have a negative connotation, I develop and test a theoretical argument highlighting a positive implication of polarization. Two distinct, but usually conflated mechanisms explain why party system polarization increases mobilization. Spatial polarization increases the utility of participating by diversifying electoral choice. Affective polarization leads to mobilization based on stronger emotional identification with a party. The article relies on a novel dataset which combines information on voter perceptions of polarization, measures of party positions, and turnout across Europe. By leveraging additional panel data and an innovative causal identification strategy I show that polarization indeed has a positive effect on turnout. The findings have major implications for the current debate on polarization and its consequences for the quality of democracy.

Author

• Fabio Ellger, WZB Berlin Social Science Center