voting context model

Question 1

what is the voting context model?

Answer 1

argues that voting behaviour will vary depending on the type of election, and the circumstances facing each voter. the consequences of an individual’s vote vary greatly in different elections

Question 2

how does the electoral system used in an election influence how people vote?

Answer 2

-voters are more likely to vote for their preferred party if the election uses a proportional system, as their vote is less likely to be wasted

Question 3

what’s tactical voting?

Answer 3

when voters don’t vote for their first choice because they have little chance of winning in their constituency. instead they vote for their second choice, who has a better chance of defeating the party they dislike the most

Question 4

how do opinion polls influence voting behaviour?

Answer 4

-bandwagon effect - voters will jump on the bandwagon, and vote for the leading party in the polls
-boomerang effect - voters will sympathise with the underdog, whilst the leading party becomes complacent

Question 5

example of opinion polls influencing voter behaviour:

Answer 5

-in 2015 polls showed the election results to be close, with a hung parliament being likely
-right wing papers warned that voting Labour would result in a Labour SNP coalition
-voters were encouraged to vote tactically to avoid this - conservatives won this election.