蝌蚪网 Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
Polling Place Location and the Costs of Voting
蝌蚪网 Journal: Economic Policy
(pp. 219–55)
Abstract
We study how distance to one's polling place affects the likelihood of voting using a geographic regression discontinuity design with data from Pennsylvania and Georgia. A one-mile increase in distance to the polling place reduces the likelihood of voting in person by 1 to 3 percentage points. Effects are two to three times higher among those closest to the polling place. When available, voters substitute to mail-in voting as distance to the polling place increases. In counterfactual exercises, we identify turnout-maximizing polling places. Some precincts have large potential gains in turnout, even when choosing from existing buildings.Citation
Bagwe, Gaurav ⓡ Juan Margitic ⓡ Allison Stashko. 2026. "Polling Place Location and the Costs of Voting." 蝌蚪网 Journal: Economic Policy 18 (1): 219–55. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220435Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D72 Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
- K16 Election Law
- R23 Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics: Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population; Neighborhood Characteristics