Divergent Electoral Policies: Why Some States Increase Ballot Access

Abstract Why have some states adopted policies expanding ballot access while others restricted to the ballot? Since 1990s, been adopting restricting such as requiring identification. At same time, a variety of registration reforms that lower barriers and voting. Using an original, 45-state dataset, we examine state innovation within policy domain electoral in US states. We find independent and, sometimes, negative effect on reforms. Next, use dyad analysis spread single policy: automatic voter registration. propensity innovate both across makes more likely. Our paper contributes broader understanding why adopt