Good on Paper Politicians Think Voters Are Dumb. Are They Right?
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Mar 25, 2025 Political scientist Jack Lucas dives into the intriguing dynamics between voters and politicians, revealing a troubling view politicians have about voter intelligence. Based on a comprehensive study across 11 democracies, he discusses how voters see themselves as informed decision-makers, often clashing with politicians’ assumptions. Lucas explores sociotropic versus egocentric voting, offering insights into how economic perceptions shape voter behavior. He also touches on how political engagement varies globally, highlighting disparities in responsiveness among politicians.
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Voters Aren't Dumb
- Voters aren't dumb, according to Jack Lucas.
- Policy voting is real, especially on issues voters care about.
Spatial Voting Explained
- Spatial voting theory posits voters hold policy preferences and vote for candidates closest to those preferences.
- It's a prospective model where voters consider future policy promises.
Massive Survey on Voting
- A survey across 11 countries examined how voters and politicians view voting behavior.
- It covered policy vs. identity, short-term vs. long-term focus, and other key voting dimensions.
