Joseph J. Ruggiero

Thematic seminars
Economic theory seminar

Joseph J. Ruggiero

Princeton University
Some for the price of one: Vote buying on a network
Joint with
Perry Carter
Venue

IBD Salle 16

Îlot Bernard du Bois - Salle 16

AMU - AMSE
5-9 boulevard Maurice Bourdet
13001 Marseille

Date(s)
Thursday, May 25 2023| 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Contact(s)

Gaëtan Fournier: gaetan.fournier[at]univ-amu.fr

Abstract

Social connections matter for vote buying, yet most analyses do not specify the nature of interdependence between actors explicitly. We provide a formal model of elections in which candidates may offer private transfers to policy-motivated voters connected on a social network. Investigation of deep parameters governing social structure allows for comparison across societies without the need to consider specific realizations. In equilibrium, transfers are determined primarily by group fractionalization and homophily, with density mattering only indirectly. Inequalities are driven by disproportionate targeting of minorities. Additionally, we consider heterogeneous information between candidates, clarifying the main role of density as a source of more precise information for candidates and demonstrating that homophily can endogenously generate in-group favoritism. These results highlight the importance of social structure, moving beyond the existing focus on individual targeting.