Faculty Sponsor(s)
Dimitri Kelly
Location
Vivian A. Bull Music Center: Delkin Recital Hall
Subject Area
Political Science
Description
What information do voters rely on in nonpartisan judicial election? When voters lack a partisan cue, they turn to other cognitive shortcuts to make an adequate decision with the least amount of effort required. In these situations, gender and race can play subtle, yet important roles in how voters perceive and evaluate candidates. This paper presents the results of a randomized experiment examining the influence of gender and race cues on voter perceptions in state judicial candidates. Results show that gender and race cues influence voter’s perceptions of state judicial candidates. Specifically, white candidates are seen as more qualified than African American candidates, while female candidates are seen as more qualified than male candidates.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Suzanne R., "The Role of Gender and Racial Stereotypes in State Judicial Elections" (2016). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 68.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2016/all/68
The Role of Gender and Racial Stereotypes in State Judicial Elections
Vivian A. Bull Music Center: Delkin Recital Hall
What information do voters rely on in nonpartisan judicial election? When voters lack a partisan cue, they turn to other cognitive shortcuts to make an adequate decision with the least amount of effort required. In these situations, gender and race can play subtle, yet important roles in how voters perceive and evaluate candidates. This paper presents the results of a randomized experiment examining the influence of gender and race cues on voter perceptions in state judicial candidates. Results show that gender and race cues influence voter’s perceptions of state judicial candidates. Specifically, white candidates are seen as more qualified than African American candidates, while female candidates are seen as more qualified than male candidates.
