Understanding Ballot Design and Its Impact on Voting

The video discusses how ballot design can influence voting decisions, particularly through the name-order effect, where candidates listed higher on the ballot receive more votes. It highlights studies from Belgium, Ohio, Illinois, and California, showing the impact of name order on election outcomes. The Heuristic-Systematic Model explains how voters use mental shortcuts when less interested in the decision. Complex ballot designs can lead to voting errors, as seen in Poland and Florida. The video suggests simplifying ballots and educating voters to ensure informed decisions.

What is one of the main challenges voters face during election season in the US?

• Finding the polling station

• Choosing candidates for local offices

• Understanding the ballot design

• Deciding on big positions

What is the name-order effect?

• A phenomenon where candidates listed first receive more votes

• A strategy to list candidates alphabetically

• A method to randomize candidate names

• A rule to list incumbents first

What percentage of primary races in California were affected by the name-order effect?

• 5%

• 8%

• 12%

• 15%

Which model explains how we process information based on interest?

• Behavioral Economics Model

• Cognitive Dissonance Model

• Heuristic-Systematic Model

• Rational Choice Theory

Why might randomizing the order of names on ballots be challenging?

• It is against election laws

• It is logistically difficult

• It confuses voters

• It is too expensive

What is a mental shortcut used when voters are less invested in a decision?

• Heuristic processing

• Critical reasoning

• Analytical thinking

• Systematic processing

What was a major issue with the ballot design in Poland's 2014 elections?

• Ballots were too colorful

• Ballots were printed on low-quality paper

• Ballots were written in a foreign language

• Ballots were changed to a multi-page booklet

How did the butterfly ballot design in Florida in 2000 confuse voters?

• The hole-punch system was unclear

• It was written in a foreign language

• It had too many colors

• It was too small to read

What can increase the number of invalid votes according to research?

• Ballots with clear instructions

• Ballots with fewer candidates

• Complex and unfamiliar ballot design

• Simple ballot design

What is a recommended strategy for voters to avoid confusion with ballots?

• Rely on heuristics

• Ask others for their opinions

• Vote as quickly as possible

• Read instructions carefully and take your time