Balancing Between Ideals and Tactics: The Impact of Voter-Party Congruence on Electoral Participation

Early findings suggested that electoral participation is shaped by both tactical and expressive motives, with the influence of each aspect varying under different circumstances. This study delves into the effect of voter-party congruence on the probability of electoral participation, contrasting ideological with tactical motives for an extensive analysis of voter behaviour in different electoral settings. Using data from 107 elections in various European countries from 1996 to 2020, the study provides a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis. This large sample allows for a detailed exploration of the effects of voter-party alignment across a wide range of electoral systems and party dynamics, offering insights into its universal implications. The research then focuses on a longitudinal study of the United Kingdom, a nation with a historical tendency towards strategic voting. This shift in focus to a single country over time allows for a deeper understanding of the dynamics of voter-party congruence in a context where tactical motives play an important role. The findings affirm a robust and positive correlation between voter-party congruence and voter turnout. Voters are more likely to participate in elections when they identify a party that resonates with their ideological views, irrespective of that party's winning chances. This sustained relationship underscores the importance of ideological alignment as a primary motivator for voter turnout. Finally, this research's findings indicate that ideological alignment is a prerequisite even for voters who make strategic electoral choices.