Increasing Voter Participation by Altering the Costs and Stakes of Voting*

Abstract

ObjectivesWhile many states are increasing the costs of voting through voter identification laws, Washington State has enacted two policies that may increase voter participation. Specifically, as of 2012, the entire state uses a vote‐by‐mail system, reducing the cost of voting. In addition, Washington adopted a top‐two primary format in 2008, increasing the importance of primaries.MethodsUsing turnout data between 2000 and 2014, we examine the effect of vote‐by‐mail and the top‐two primary format on voter turnout.ResultsWe find that both of these policies have had a positive impact on voter turnout in Washington State primaries, raising turnout to the point where Washington's primary turnout exceeds the general election turnout in other states.ConclusionsThese results suggest that other states might consider vote‐by‐mail and/or a top‐two primary format to increase voter participation.