Plural Representation: Cross-National Patterns and Compensatory Mechanisms of Representation by Multiple Representatives

Democratic representation operates through multiple channels - parties, leaders, and institutions - yet scholars have predominantly conceptualized representation as a dyadic relationship between citizens and a single representative. This paper introduces and empirically examines "plural representation": citizens' perception of being represented by multiple political actors simultaneously. Drawing on two complementary data sources - CSES Module 3 (43 elections across 35 countries, 2006-2011) and original survey data from Israel - I investigate the prevalence, determinants, and democratic consequences of plural representation. Cross-national analysis reveals substantial variation in plural representation, ranging from 30% to 70% across democracies, with individual-level factors proving more influential than institutional arrangements. The Israeli data enables deeper investigation of the mechanisms underlying plural representation. Preliminary findings suggest plural representation operates as a compensatory mechanism: citizens dissatisfied with their elected representative (the party they voted for) seek additional representatives elsewhere in the political system. This compensation manifests across both partisan and leadership dimensions, with citizens identifying representatives from parties they did not vote for. The democratic consequences of plural representation are significant but contingent. Citizens with plural representation show higher satisfaction with democracy, greater political efficacy, and increased electoral participation compared to those feeling unrepresented, though not as high as those represented by their voted-for party. This "compensatory satisfaction" is particularly pronounced when plural representation crosses party lines, suggesting that feeling represented by opposition parties or leaders helps maintain democratic legitimacy even when one's electoral choice disappoints. These findings challenge the conventional dyadic understanding of representation and reveal how citizens navigate complex representative systems. Plural representation may serve as a stabilizing mechanism in contemporary democracies, allowing citizens to maintain democratic commitment despite growing dissatisfaction with individual representatives or parties. The paper concludes by discussing implications for understanding democratic resilience amid representation crises and the challenges of political personalization.