Coping with complexity: Ballot position effects in the Finnish open-list proportional representation system

Abstract Many studies show that the order of candidates’ names on ballot has an effect voting. Less informed and indifferent voters may simplify voting process by using position candidates as a cue. By studying six parliamentary elections in Finland, this study first demonstrates relationship between preference votes follows reversed J-shaped curve. Candidates listed early win most votes, while near end have advantage over those middle. Furthermore, grows stronger with complexity electoral environment. The increases number party list increases, candidates-to-seats ratio incumbents decreases.