Full Citation
Title: Does a universal basic income affect voter turnout? Evidence from Alaska
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2022
ISBN:
ISSN:
DOI: 10.1017/psrm.2022.38
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: Does a universal basic income (UBI) affect voter turnout? This article argues that the introduction of an unconditional cash payment-where citizens receive money independent of employment status, age, or indigence-can have a turnout-enhancing effect. I evaluate the argument using the introduction of the Permanent Fund Dividend in Alaska. Differences-indifferences estimates covering November general elections from 1978 to 2000 provide compelling evidence that the Alaskan UBI has a significant positive effect on turnout. The results further suggest that the turnout increase was not a one-off effect but persists over a period of almost 20 years. Thus, a UBI has the potential to positively affect turnout among an entire electorate, adding to the discussion around potential welfare reforms in western democracies.
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Authors: Loeffler, Hannah
Periodical (Full): Political Science Research Methods
Issue:
Volume:
Pages: 1-16
Data Collections: IPUMS CPS
Topics: Population Data Science, Poverty and Welfare
Countries: