Common Knowledge, Relative Performance and Political Accountability

• In Event: Causal Inference and Elections in Latin America

Abstract

Does lack of information undermine political accountability? This is important because
political accountability is one of the pillars of good governance. Recent research has evaluated
the effectiveness of interventions aimed at providing information to voters but the
evidence is mixed. Some studies have found that it influences vote choices, while others
have found no effect. Moreover, while some work has found positive effects on turnout,
indicating more engaged voters, other studies have found negative effects, hinting at a disenchanted electorate. Thus, it is important to disentangle the different channels and
conditions under which information influences behavior. We argue that individuals should
react to information about politicians’ performance whenever it differs from their prior
expectations and believe a better option is feasible. Furthermore, we argue that the effects
are greatest when information is communicated publicly because coordinated voter action
may be facilitated. We test these hypotheses using a field experiment in the context of
Mexico’s 2015 municipal elections by randomizing (1) the provision of information about
the local politician only or alongside with a politician from a similar municipality, and (2)
whether the information is publicly or privately provided.

Author

• Eric Arias, New York University