Abstract
Rational models generally predict that only a few people should vote in most elections. A major reason why turnout is so high today is because of the numerous positive messages which citizens are routinely given about the value of their vote. A month after discussion of a model of rational participation, individuals were found to be more negative toward the institution of elections. A major reason for voting continued to be the feeling of duty to participate; subjects who felt no moral obligation would not go to the polls even if they were very interested in an election.
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A number of people have contributed to this work in one way or another. I owe a special thanks to John Alford, Greg Caldiera, Gary Copeland, Melvin Jones, and Paul Gough.
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Brunk, G.G. The impact of rational participation models on voting attitudes. Public Choice 35, 549–564 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00140085
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00140085