Psychology
Negative Partisanship and Its Impact on Voter Turnout
Quick fact
In recent U.S. elections, negative partisanship has become so strong that more voters report voting primarily to stop the other party than to support their own—a shift that can boost overall turnout but also fuel political anger and gridlock.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably heard someone say they voted 'against' a candidate rather than 'for' another. What if that negative feeling is what actually gets people to the polls?
Read the full explanation
Understanding Negative Partisanship and Its Impact on Voter Turnout
Imagine you have two buttons in front of you: one for your favorite team, one for the team you hate. Most sports fans would press the button for their favorite team without hesitation. But in politics, many people now show up to vote because they want to press the 'hate' button—they are more motivated by stopping the opposing party than by supporting their own. This is negative partisanship. It’s when your political identity is defined by who you oppose, not just who you support. For example, a voter might say 'I’m not a Democrat, but I always vote against Republican candidates.' This mindset can have a powerful effect on turnout: it can push people to the polls who otherwise might stay home, but it can also make politics feel like a chore, potentially turning off those who dislike both options.
A deeper explanation
The mechanism behind negative partisanship lies in the psychology of loss aversion and in-group/out-group dynamics. People are often more motivated to avoid a loss or a threat than to gain a benefit. When a disliked party seems likely to win, the fear of that outcome can spur voters to act. This is why negative ads often work: they activate anxiety rather than hope. However, negative partisanship can also reduce turnout. If voters see both parties as equally bad, they may become alienated and abstain. Moreover, excessive negativity can foster cynicism and a sense that voting doesn’t matter, leading to disengagement. The net effect on turnout depends on the balance: does the fear of the other party outweigh the disgust with the entire system? This explains why turnout can rise in highly polarized elections but also why some citizens drop out entirely.