48. Close actions speak louder than distant words? The effect of local parties on voter turnout in Swedish local elections 1994–2018

Erlingsson, G., Öhrvall, R., Tavares, A. F., & Wittberg, E. (2024). Close actions speak louder than distant words? The effect of local parties on voter turnout in Swedish local elections 1994–2018. Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties. https://doi.org/10.1080/17457289.2023.2292672

This paper examines whether the presence of local political parties in Sweden increases voter turnout in municipal elections (1994–2018). It tests the “best of both worlds” hypothesis, which suggests that both national and local parties together broaden voter choice and mobilization. Although Sweden has seen a rise in local parties focused on local interests, the study finds no evidence that their presence increases turnout. Using data from all municipalities and applying fractional logit regression models, the authors show that any apparent effects vanish when controlling for municipal-specific factors. Sweden’s high baseline turnout (84.1%), concurrent national and local elections, and a wide range of existing party options may limit the marginal impact of new local parties. Additionally, local party voters are often already politically engaged. Thus, Sweden represents a “least likely” case for the hypothesis, showing its limits. The study urges future research in other countries.