The Civic Option? Using Experiments to Estimate the Effects of Consuming Information in Local Elections

Abstract Political parties and civic organizations disseminate information to improve citizen decision making in local elections. Do citizens choose consume such and, if so, how does it affect their decisions? We conduct a survey experiment during real-world election that randomly assigns 1) political party endorsements, 2) voter guide, 3) no information, or 4) choice among these options. Respondents assigned receive endorsements guide are more likely than respondents receiving candidates who share policy views. When given choice, majority opts (including many with low levels of interest), most preferring guide. Using an instrumental variable approach, we show the effect on those is substantial. These results offer hope education efforts can succeed despite widespread disinterest.