Stigmatized Campaign Practices and the Gendered Dynamics of Electoral Viability

What happens when a traditional source of political capital becomes health hazard? Stigmatized electoral practices, such as vote buying, are double-edged sword: While these strategies may signal candidates’ strength, they also entail reputational costs. In normal times, street campaigns non-stigmatized practice. During the Covid-19 pandemic, however, imposed risks. Employing data from national survey experiment conducted in Brazil prior to 2020 municipal elections ( N = 2025), we extend research on employment stigmatized and gendered dynamics viability. We find that voters evaluate candidates who engage face-to-face activities less electorally viable report lower intent support them. These do not impact all equally: Voters more harshly punish women conduct than men, leading lose advantage have over men both employ campaign practices.