Voting behaviour - Long term issue factors

Question 1

Rational Choice

Answer 1

Rational choice theory - voters behave like consumers by analysing the costs/benefits of a party

• linked to the growth of a more educated electorate, including the fast spread info (and mis-info) online
• ‘economic voting’ - peoples vote for whichever party stands to benefit them the most financially

Question 2

Issue voting

Answer 2

Voters vote based on policy. However they vote on whichever party is closest on the policy they care about even if they arent alligned with the parties other policy.

E.g:

• 2019 election - 74% of leave voters voted for tories (including many in the red wall who hadnt done so before. 49% of remainers voter for labour
• Iraq War

Question 3

leadership

Answer 3

The public image of leaders is important
* a greater media presence has led to ‘presidentisation’ since 1979 where perception of campaigns are increasing shaped by the leading figures (like in the US)

Question 4

Competence

Answer 4

The preformance of the current gov is an important factor

• The 2024 election was largely won due to loss of faith in the Conservative’s economic plan, due to Truss’ Mini-budget or BoJo’s corrupt covid contracts
• Governments lose elections; oppositions don’t win them
• Blair still won the 2005 election (31 seat majority) despite massive outcry and protest over the invasion of Iraq

Question 5

Tactical voting

Answer 5

Sometimes people may agree with the possible solution but not believe the party will be able to deliver

• Yougov reported 20% of voters tactically voted in 2024, smaller parties underrepresented
• 34% of votes for Labour were to “get rid of the conservatives”