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Text Messages for Voter Mobilization

General Information

Project description

While potential voters may register and intend to vote, many registered voters ultimately do not participate in elections. In addition, previous studies have not addressed how the impact of the text messages may vary among causal voters compared to habitual voters. Casual voters are defined as those who had previously only voted in the presidential election or major elections. Habitual voters are defined as those who have a higher propensity to vote (in this case, those who voted in each of the four elections).

This project aimed to increase voter turnout by sending registered voters “cold” text message reminders about upcoming elections. We define cold texts as text messages that have absolutely no prior or personal contact associated with them. In other words, people do not receive texts from an organization that registered them in person and do not give permission to receive text messages prior to Election Day. This method of voter outreach differs from mobilization efforts that are centered on social contact.

Source: B-Hub

Detailed information

Final report: Is there a final report presenting the results and conclusions of this project?

Yes

Final report

Pre-analysis plan: Is there a pre-analysis plan associated with this registration?

No

Who is behind the project?

Institution: Harvard Kennedy School
Team: Behavioural Insights Group

Project status:

Completed

Methods

Methodology: Experiment, Field Experiment
Could you self-grade the strength of the evidence generated by this study?: 1
Start date: 11/02/2009

What is the project about?

Policy area(s): Public governance
Topic(s):
Behavioural tool(s): Reminders

Date published:

25 June 2021

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