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

Encouraging greater voter turnout might lead to a more representative government, addressing various issues important to the electorate. However, considering rational ignorance, uninformed voters may make choices based on emotional appeals or superficial criteria. Instead of solely focusing on increasing turnout, addressing the root causes of rational ignorance by making it easier for citizens to become informed and engaged is essential for a truly representative and well-informed government.

Step by step solution

Define rational ignorance

Rational ignorance is a concept in economics and political science, which suggests that people may deliberately choose not to become informed about certain issues, such as elections, because the costs (time, effort, and resources) of doing so outweigh the perceived benefits. In the context of voting, this might mean that a citizen might not think their vote would have enough impact to justify the effort needed to become fully informed about the candidates and issues.

Discuss the benefits of encouraging greater voter turnout

One argument in favor of encouraging greater voter turnout is that it can lead to a more representative and democratic government. When more people vote, there is a higher chance that the elected representatives will reflect the preferences and interests of the majority of citizens. Additionally, more voter participation may lead candidates to prioritize policies that are beneficial for a broader range of people and address various issues important to the electorate.

Discuss the potential drawbacks of encouraging greater voter turnout in the context of rational ignorance

However, given the concept of rational ignorance, encouraging greater voter turnout might also have some unintended consequences. If people who are not well-informed about the election begin to vote in larger numbers, it could lead to the election of representatives who do not actually represent the best interests of the citizens. Voters who are not well-informed might be more likely to make choices based on emotional appeals or superficial criteria, rather than a nuanced understanding of policy issues.

Consider alternatives to simply encouraging greater voter turnout

Instead of focusing solely on increasing voter turnout, it might be more effective to address the root causes of rational ignorance by making it easier for citizens to become informed and engaged in the political process. This could include providing better access to objective and reliable information about candidates and their policy positions, as well as encouraging civic education and engagement from a young age. This way, as voter turnout increases, it would be more likely to lead to a truly representative and well-informed government.

Conclusion

While encouraging greater voter turnout might seem like a good idea at first glance, it could potentially lead to unintended consequences if a large number of uninformed voters participate in the election process. To address the problem of rational ignorance and create a more representative government, it is essential to focus on making it easier for citizens to become informed and engaged in the political process, rather than solely focusing on increasing voter turnout.