Ableism at the Ballot Box? Electoral Support for Disabled Candidates in Finland’s Open-List PR System

• In Event: Evaluations of Candidates with Disabilities and Mental Health Challenges

Abstract

Does being disabled affect candidates’ electoral success? While stigma and prejudice against disabled people remains rife, recent survey experimental evidence puts into question whether public opinion towards disabled candidates is really negative. Yet, to what extent the experimental findings mirror the real world remains an open question. The first to analyse the question using actual election outcomes, this study draws on data from the 2019 Candidates Survey in Finland to examine whether candidates who identify as disabled receive more or fewer votes than other candidates. Finland’s open-list PR system allows us to compare electoral success of disabled candidates to other candidates both within and beyond their own parties. The study provides valuable insights for scholars studying elections, stereotypes, and identity politics, as well as disabled (aspiring) politicians and political parties.

Authors

• Mikko Mattila, University of Helsinki

• Stefanie Reher, University of Strathclyde