Ain’t No Fortunate Son: The Political Calculus of Conscription

Do the electoral incentives of political leaders influence who is compelled to serve in military? We argue that conscription policy designed by actors care about winning elections. In wartime, politicians face twin threats military and defeat. Therefore, they will shield swing communities, hold considerable sway over outcome elections, from some costs service. leverage a novel database 9.2 million U.S. service-members during World War II. find counties narrowly voted for President Roosevelt Democratic members Congress had substantially fewer conscripts Army 1942, 1943, 1945. Substantively, 139,000 soldiers—six times number soldiers landed at Normandy—were enlisted than expected. Our findings imply democratic do not want lose re-election doing so sacrifice norms fairness.