Voting as if Your Rights Depend on It: The Role of Strife in the Motivations of Marginalized Voters

Previous studies have highlighted that gender, ethnicity, and sexuality influence voter turnout, with contradicting theoretical expectations. Some argue that marginalized groups face structural obstacles that reduce turnout. Others indicate that this strife instead increases turnout by compelling marginalized individuals to defend their group and vote ‘as if their rights depended on it’. This paper tests the latter by examining what motivates women, LGB individuals and ethnic minorities to vote. I focus on two established motivations: the desire to make preferences visible (i.e., expressive), or to influence politics and seek change (i.e., instrumental). Using original survey data collected in eight countries holding elections between 2022-2023, results show women state less instrumental and expressive motivations than men, and LGBs more instrumental ones than heterosexuals. Perceptions of discrimination additionally influence these motivations, especially for ethnic minorities, as those perceiving ethnic-based discrimination often have more instrumental and expressive motivations. These findings provide new insights into the psychological factors shaping political participation among historically underrepresented groups.