An investigation of the affect of vote-by-mail (VBM) on voter turnout.  Based on turnout in Oregon, a VBM-only state, and that of absentee voters, proponents predict that VBM would significantly increase turnout.  This article tests the prediction by comparing turnout between VBM and polling place precincts during the 2000 presidential and 2002 gubernatorial elections in California.

By comparing demographically similar precincts, the authors find that VBM:

• modestly decreases turnout in statewide general elections
• substantially increases turnout in local special elections
• has a greater affect on lower profile elections, perhaps because the mailed ballot acts as a reminder for a voter who might otherwise have forgotten

Links

• JSTOR