Does political information influence voter turnout at the municipal level?

Abstract

Political information is key to political competence. The relationship between political information and the decision to vote, however, is understudied at the municipal level of government. Based on a survey of 3,200 electors in the province of Quebec, our results highlight the importance of information in voters’ decision to go to the polls as well as how this information affects other variables. Our analysis shows that the more a voter is knowledgeable about the candidates’ platforms and projects, the more likely he or she is to vote. Our findings extend knowledge regarding political information, political competence and turnout from other levels of government to the municipal level.