Voting and Political Participation in the Aftermath of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Hani Mansour (), Daniel Rees and James M. Reeves

No 27504, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This is the first study to examine the effect of experiencing a widespread, deadly epidemic on voting behavior. Using data on elections to the U.S House of Representatives and leveraging cross-district variation in HIV/AIDS mortality during the period 1983-1987, we document the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on votes received by Democratic and Republican candidates. Beginning with the 1994 elections, there is a strong, positive association between HIV/AIDS mortality and the vote share received by Democratic candidates. Congressional districts that bore the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic also saw substantial increases in Democratic voter turnout and contributions made to Democratic candidates.

JEL-codes: D72 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-07
Note: EH
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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