Permissive electoral systems and descriptive representation

Existing research about the effects of electoral systems on descriptive representation is mixed. In this paper, we test implications theoretical arguments impact rules voters’ propensity to vote for women candidates. We conducted a survey experiment during 2017 provincial election in British Columbia, Canada, using actual candidates both real and hypothetical districts. find that more permissive, or candidate-centered, forms proportional do not improve women; if anything, they diminish it. interpret these results as being driven by supply – voters tend incumbent, well-known who happen be predominantly men. Our findings provide cautionary note how can interact with real-world experiences conditions.