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February 2, 2026American Economic Journal Economic Policy0 citations

Polling Place Location and the Costs of Voting

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GBGaurav R BagweJMJuan MargiticASAllison Stashko

Key Points

  • This study examines how distance to polling places influences the likelihood of voting in person.
  • Utilized geographic regression discontinuity design for analysis
  • Analyzed data from Pennsylvania and Georgia
  • Compared voting likelihood based on distance to polling places
  • Conducted counterfactual exercises to identify optimal polling locations
  • A one-mile increase in distance reduces in-person voting likelihood by 1 to 3 percentage points
  • Effects are two to three times greater for voters residing closest to polling places
  • Voters tend to opt for mail-in voting as polling distance increases
  • Identified precincts with significant potential for increased voter turnout

Abstract

We study how distance to one’s polling place affects the likelihood of voting using a geographic regression discontinuity design with data from Pennsylvania and Georgia. A one-mile increase in distance to the polling place reduces the likelihood of voting in person by 1 to 3 percentage points. Effects are two to three times higher among those closest to the polling place. When available, voters substitute to mail-in voting as distance to the polling place increases. In counterfactual exercises, we identify turnout-maximizing polling places. Some precincts have large potential gains in turnout, even when choosing from existing buildings. (JEL D72, K16, R23)

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Cite This Study

Bagwe et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980fc37c1c9540dea80e122https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20220435
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