Chapter 18: Problem 16

Given that rational ignorance discourages some people from becoming informed about elections, is it necessarily a good idea to encourage greater voter turnout? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified

In conclusion, encouraging greater voter turnout is not necessarily a good idea if rational ignorance is prevalent among the electorate. Efforts should focus on addressing rational ignorance by making it easier for individuals to become informed about elections, candidates, and their platforms, promoting political education, and enabling more engaged and informed voting. This approach would make increasing voter turnout a worthwhile endeavor.

Step by step solution

Understand rational ignorance

Rational ignorance is a concept in economics which suggests that people might choose to remain uninformed about certain issues if the cost of becoming informed is higher than the expected benefits. In the context of elections, this means that some individuals may not invest time and effort into learning about political candidates and their platforms if they believe that their vote is unlikely to influence the outcome.

Discuss potential benefits of greater voter turnout

Encouraging greater voter turnout might have some positive effects on the democratic process. For example, a higher level of participation could be associated with increased political engagement, leading to more informed discussions and decisions within society. Additionally, greater voter turnout could lead to more representative election outcomes as larger portions of the population get involved in the decision-making process.

Discuss potential drawbacks of greater voter turnout

On the other hand, encouraging greater voter turnout without addressing the issue of rational ignorance might lead to less informed voting. If individuals are not motivated to become informed about the candidates and their platforms, they may cast votes based on limited information or superficial factors. This could result in the election of candidates who do not have the best interests of the constituency in mind or who may not be well-suited for the position.

Weigh pros and cons of greater voter turnout

When considering whether it's a good idea to encourage greater voter turnout in the context of rational ignorance, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. While increased political engagement and more representative election outcomes are valuable, these benefits might be undermined if a significant portion of the electorate is uninformed and making decisions based on limited information.

Arrive at a conclusion

In conclusion, encouraging greater voter turnout is not necessarily a good idea if rational ignorance is prevalent among the electorate. Instead, efforts should be made to address the issue of rational ignorance by making it easier and more appealing for individuals to become informed about elections, candidates, and their platforms. By focusing on expanding access to information and promoting political education, it would be possible to create a more engaged and informed electorate, which would make increasing voter turnout a worthwhile endeavor.