Direct democracy and environmental conflict in the states

Abstract

While much existing literature has examined whether voters are capable of making rational decisions on issues presented to them through the ballot measure process, little research has empirically examined the demographic and economic factors that influence those votes. This project seeks to identify the determinants of state-wide votes on environmental initiatives and referenda in California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Oregon. Particular emphasis is focused on differences in voting patterns between urban and rural counties. Other possible determinants at the county level include demographic characteristics such as party affiliation and education, and economic conditions such as median income and employment in resource related industries. Based on this analysis, it is clear that all three groups of variables are important in explaining differing voting patterns among counties within each state.