How does anger affect whether people vote?

A recent study published in PLOS ONE explores the relationship between anger and political activity, particularly voting behavior. Anger alone does not automatically translate to voting; instead, it depends on an individual's belief in their ability to influence political outcomes. According to lead investigator Monique Turner, a professor at Michigan State University, "Anger does not always equate to aggression or violence.

When people are empowered to change angering situations, they are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors."

This research, part of Turner's Anger Activism Model (AAM), examines how anger interacts with perceived efficacy. The study surveyed nearly 2,000 US adults five weeks before the 2024 presidential election, analyzing how anger and various forms of political efficacy relate to participants' commitment to nonviolent political activism and voting.

While political anger can motivate someone to engage in political activities, the researchers found that participation depends on whether people believe they can influence the source of their anger—and whether their goal is activism or casting their vote.

Among individuals who doubted their ability to change what angered them, stronger anger increased their willingness to participate in political activism, such as volunteering for a campaign. However, despite higher anger serving as a catalyst for action, people feeling extreme anger showed a lower interest in voting. The findings suggest that anger alone does not exclusively mobilize political activity; rather, it must be accompanied by a credible pathway to action.

For communication professionals and political campaigns, this research indicates the importance of providing concrete ways for people to act and highlights the need for additional efforts to encourage voting, as those who are most angry tend to be the least likely to participate in the electoral process. In essence, while anger can be a powerful motivator, the study underscores the value of understanding the role of anger in politics today, emphasizing that the kind of action people take depends on their perception of whether change is possible.