Ideology-specific patterns of moral indifference predict intentions not to vote

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Results from a nationally representative survey (N = 1, 341) provide evidence that self-reported nonvoting behavior is associated with lower endorsement of moral concerns and values (Study 1). Across three studies, five large samples (total N = 27,038), and two presidential elections, we replicate this pattern and show that the explicit intention not to vote is associated with lower endorsement of moral concerns and values (Studies 2-4). This pattern was not found for endorsement of nonmoral values. Separate analyses for liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and Tea Party supporters reveal that the intention not to vote is specifically associated with low endorsement of the moral concerns most associated with one's ideological group: Care and Fairness concerns predicted voting intentions for liberals, while Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity concerns predicted voting intentions for conservatives and members of the Tea Party group FreedomWorks.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Johnson, KM; Iyer, R; Wojcik, SP; Vaisey, S; Miles, A; Chu, V; Graham, J

Published Date

  • December 1, 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 14 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 61 - 77

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1530-2415

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1529-7489

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/asap.12039

Citation Source

  • Scopus