Does voting by mail make for better choices? A 2020 election study suggests it might
Mail-in ballots are usually discussed as a way to boost turnout. New research suggests they may also help voters make better choices, with mail voters more likely to pick the candidate aligned with their stated preferences.
A study published in Political Behavior suggests that voting by mail during the 2020 presidential election may lead to better choices for American citizens. According to the findings, individuals who voted by mail were more likely to vote for the candidate who best aligned with their stated views compared to those who cast their ballots in person.
The researchers propose that the longer time available to review choices at home could improve the quality of democratic decision-making. However, the study also highlights potential drawbacks, such as the possibility of voting for candidates who have dropped out or for others due to convenience. The research, conducted by Jennifer Wolak and Carey E. Stapleton, examined how different voting environments shape electoral decisions.
The authors note that mail-in ballots offer voters more time to research unfamiliar candidates, read through ballot measures, and discuss choices with family members, which may lead to more thoughtful selections. The study analyzed data from the 2020 American National Election Studies, combining participants' responses with official state voter records.
The researchers found that mail voters were 2.6 percentage points more likely to vote correctly than in-person voters, a difference equivalent to a one-standard-deviation increase in political knowledge.
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