ECON 42: Economics of Voting

Course Description

The success and fate of democracies around the world rely on citizens¿ engagement and participation during elections of government officials: presidents, members of parliaments or councils, governors, attorneys general, judges, sheriffs, etc.  Since direct democracies where everyone gathers to discuss and make decisions are costly, inefficient and often simply impossible, representative democracies that pass laws and grant executive authority to elected representatives depend on the wisdom of the electorate to choose effective leaders.  This course will focus on one of the most critical duties of citizens in a democracy ¿ a duty of voting. It will cover principles of voter behavior, common electoral systems, election campaigns and finance, election logistics, referenda, role of media and disinformation, citizenship in the Digital Age, and other election-related topics. The course will use an economic lens to explain observed behavior and election outcomes. The course will also explore various approaches to enact desired change in status quo through voting and elected leaders at local, national and global levels. Taking this course should prepare students to be more effective as citizens, critical thinkers and change makers.