PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
February 2, 2026American Economic Journal Economic Policy0 citations

Polling Place Location and the Costs of Voting

View Full Paper
GBGaurav R BagweJMJuan MargiticASAllison Stashko

Key Points

  • This study examines how distance to polling places influences the likelihood of voting in person.
  • Utilized geographic regression discontinuity design for analysis
  • Analyzed data from Pennsylvania and Georgia
  • Compared voting likelihood based on distance to polling places
  • Conducted counterfactual exercises to identify optimal polling locations
  • A one-mile increase in distance reduces in-person voting likelihood by 1 to 3 percentage points
  • Effects are two to three times greater for voters residing closest to polling places
  • Voters tend to opt for mail-in voting as polling distance increases
  • Identified precincts with significant potential for increased voter turnout

Abstract

We study how distance to one’s polling place affects the likelihood of voting using a geographic regression discontinuity design with data from Pennsylvania and Georgia. A one-mile increase in distance to the polling place reduces the likelihood of voting in person by 1 to 3 percentage points. Effects are two to three times higher among those closest to the polling place. When available, voters substitute to mail-in voting as distance to the polling place increases. In counterfactual exercises, we identify turnout-maximizing polling places. Some precincts have large potential gains in turnout, even when choosing from existing buildings. (JEL D72, K16, R23)

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Bagwe et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980fc37c1c9540dea80e122https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20220435
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1The direct cost to voters of polling site closures and consolidation2025
  2. 2Small time costs matter: Reform-induced polling station congestion reduces turnout in a high-turnout PR system2026
  3. 3Universal Mail Ballot Delivery Boosts Turnout: The Causal Effects of Sending Mail Ballots to All Registered Voters2024
  4. 4Does sending ballots via post reduce costs? Negligible effect of postal voting on turnout among Finnish electorate living abroad2024
  5. 5Estimating Crowd: Electoral Adjustment and Spatial Effects of Turnout During Covid-19 Pandemic2025 · 1 citations