Gina Smith and Mariel Jones are both running for the same seat on the town council. Pat Johnson is voting in the town council election. Pat decides to read each candidates one-paragraph statement, but did not attend the town debate to listen to the candidates explain their positions in detail. Which of the following best describes Pat's actions?
A) Pat displays the special-interest group effect; he figures the extra cost to him of any pet projects of either candidate will be small so he is not concerned.
B) Pat displays the shortsightedness effect; the long-run benefits of policies will exceed the short-run costs.
C) Pat is a victim of bureaucratic inefficiency; the candidates failed to provide sufficient information about their positions.
D) Pat displays rational voter ignorance; the perceived extra effort to be better informed exceeds the marginal benefit of knowing more about the candidates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pat's decision to only read the candidates' statements and not attend the debate shows that he is making a rational decision given the perceived cost of being more informed about the candidates. This is an example of rational voter ignorance.

Gina Smith and Mariel Jones Are Both Running for the Same