What is Ballot Fatigue?

Definition and meaning of ballot fatigue: Ballot fatigue refers to the phenomenon where voters become overwhelmed and fatigued by the number of choices on the ballot, which in turn may lead to decreased voter turnout or a lower likelihood of casting a vote for certain candidates or measures. Ballot fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a large number of candidates running for office, a large number of measures on the ballot, or a lengthy ballot that takes a long time to complete.

Ballot fatigue can also be caused by the cognitive effort required to evaluate each candidate and measure. Research shows that when presented with too many options, individuals tend to experience decision paralysis and a decreased ability to evaluate each option effectively. This can lead to a higher likelihood of not voting or making a decision based on heuristics, such as a candidate's name recognition or party affiliation, rather than the candidate's qualifications or policy positions.

This phenomenon can also be exacerbated by a lack of information about the candidates and measures on the ballot. This can lead voters to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices and uncertain about how to make an informed decision.

Ballot fatigue can also be a problem in elections with many independent and third-party candidates. When there are many candidates running for a single office, it can be difficult for voters to differentiate between them and make an informed choice. This can lead to fewer votes for any one candidate, and potentially result in a candidate winning with a small percentage of the vote.

In conclusion, ballot fatigue refers to the phenomenon where voters become overwhelmed by the number of choices on the ballot, leading to decreased voter turnout or a lower likelihood of casting a vote for certain candidates or measures. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a large number of candidates or measures on the ballot, the cognitive effort required to evaluate each option, and lack of information about the candidates and measures.