| Abstract |
We estimate the effect of unconditional cash transfers on voter turnout, leveraging a large‐scale natural experiment, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, which has provided residents with a check of varying size 1 month before election day since 1982. We find that larger transfers cause people to vote, especially in gubernatorial elections in which a 10% increase in cash ($190) causes a 1.4 percentage point increase in turnout. Effects are concentrated among the young and poor. Survey data suggests the mechanism is reduced voter apathy. Implications are discussed. |
| Authors |
Alexander James   , Nathaly M. Rivera , Brock Smith
|
| Journal Info |
Wiley | Economic Inquiry
|
| Publication Date |
3/21/2025 |
| ISSN |
0095-2583 |
Type |
article |
| Open Access |
closed
|
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.1111/ecin.13287 |
| Keywords |
Voter turnout (Score: 0.6732737) , Turnout (Score: 0.46422952) , Voter model (Score: 0.45067456)
|
