Do Closeness and Stake Increase Voter Turnout? Evidence from Election Results in Small French Towns in Brittany
Résumé
This article explores the determinants of second-round voter turnout in small French towns with a focus on two hypotheses. First, an increase in the closeness of the race may lead to an increase in turnout. Second, a higher seats stake, that is, a higher proportion of the total number of seats that remain to be filled in the second round of the election, may increase turnout. Results show that increases in both closeness and seats stake lead to higher voter turnout. Thus, evidence is given in favour of the assumption of rationality in voting in local elections.