Full Citation

Title: Improving Models of Election Policy Effects

Citation Type: Conference Paper

Publication Year: 2018

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Abstract: Researchers tend to represent election policies, such as the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), in regression models with a simple binary variable: either the state has the policy or it does not. However, the complexity of the NVRA and widespread compliance problems with it question the validity of such specifications. Moreover, parts of the NVRA should only affect subgroups of the population, such as households visiting government assistance agencies mandated to offer voter registration services. To better specify these models we used information on compliance and enforcement efforts over the past dozen years combined with the November Current Population Survey (CPS) which is frequently used to study voter registration and voting. Moreover, using a method developed at the Minnesota Population Center, we match households and individuals in the November and December CPS supplements. This matching provides additional demographic data that can enhance models using the CPS. We then examine state voter registration program performance and its effect on voter registration among low-income adult citizens in our more nuanced model.

Url: http://www.matthewrmiles.com/uploads/4/6/7/5/46755193/2018_apsa_annual_meeting_program.pdf

User Submitted?: Yes

Authors: Hess, Douglas, R

Conference Name: American Politcal Science Association

Publisher Location: Boston, MA

Data Collections: IPUMS CPS

Topics: Methodology and Data Collection, Other, Poverty and Welfare

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