1. Voter Turnout, Electoral Competition &
Rational Choice Theory
Swedish Proportional Representative Electoral System
2006-2010
By Cindy L. Carrillo
Copyright 2015
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the Swedish electoral competitiveness, between the parties within a
proportional representative election system of Sweden. The Rational Choice Theory suggests
that voters choose to vote when an election is close because the benefit of possibly being the
deciding vote in a close race outweighs their personal cost. It is for this reason that I have
chosen to analyze Sweden, where a multi-party political system thrives, and where the incentive
to vote and place the winning vote is more likely. I posit that the regional constituency lists,
using the proportional representation electoral system, systematically allows electoral races to be
closer; thus, yielding a higher voter turnout.
I will use a quantitative method of data analysis. This data has been obtained from the
Swedish Election Authorities for Swedish Parliamentary elections ranging from 2006 to 2014.
Research for this analysis has been little explored. However, I believe that this study is vital, and
pertinent not only Sweden, but that it can be generalized to other countries using the Proportional
Representation election systems. Furthermore, I believe there is a direct correlation with
Swedish voter turnout, multiparty competitiveness that stem from the Swedish electoral system
of Proportional Representation, and the Rational Choice Theory.