Electoral Rules and New Parties: Evidence from a Quasi‐experimental Design

Electoral rules are a crucial institutional factor shaping the entry and success of new parties. However, testing how they affect voting behavior is problematic when using observational data in cross-national studies. As district magnitude usually correlated with politically salient features affecting likelihood for (and small) parties, latent support small parties differs across electoral systems. Using quasi-experimental design Spain focused on viability party, Vox , two elections held within 196 days, I provide more robust estimate impact systems Strong evidence that system makes difference has been identified: strategic considerations found districts where was not successful prevented significant number voters from supporting party.