A Monkey Cage reader asks:
I'm just curious, is there much information out there about what (if anything) precisely impacts voting on referendums or initiatives? And if so, what aspects of a referendum campaign are most effective (like advertising, phone banking, door to door campaigning, etc.). Any information and/or help locating any information would be much appreciated.
There is some work on whether the presence of initiatives on the ballot serves as a mobilizing factor. See, e.g., here or here. I'm not sure about work that specifically addresses what means of mobilization motivate people to vote in such campaigns. I assume that studies of mobilization in elections generally would have some applicability, however.
On how voters make choices in initiatives, I think a dominant notion is that voters rely on shortcuts or heuristics. See, for example, Arthur Lupia's piece on the role of group endorsements-as well as other of his work. Or Regina Branton's piece, which highlights the role of party identification. There are also other relevant pieces listed under hers.
I welcome other suggestions.
