A report on a study testing predictions that voting by mail increases voter turnout. The authors compare turnout between vote by mail and traditional polling place precincts in California during the 2000 and 2002 General Elections.
The research found that voting by mail:
- Does not increase voter turnout in presidential and gubernatorial elections
- Increases the percentage of downballot races skipped
- Increases turnout in local special elections
- Offers benefits such as potential cost savings, barriers to fraud and increased accessibility for disabled voters
Links
Kousser, T., & Mullin, M. (2007). ‘Will Vote-by-Mail Elections Increase Participation? Evidence from California Counties.’