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<p>We examine whether new and alternative electoral systems, each with unique ballot-marking characteristics, introduce administrative challenges that increase the likelihood of voter error. Using a within-subject survey experiment in the Czech Republic with a representative sample and a dual data-collection method (online and offline), we identify two key contributors to voting errors: electoral system complexity and the technical possibility of casting mismarked or invalid ballots. We propose theoretical dimensions of electoral system complexity—input structure, instruction length, and type of action—and provide a framework for studying voter behaviour and ballot-design effects. Based on these effects, we confirm that there is no direct trade-off between voting errors and precise preference expression. Online voting shows increased error rates compared to pen-and-paper voting. Our findings have practical implications for electoral reforms, showing that a full-ranking system and a conditional method pose challenges in terms of voter errors.</p>

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Do people make their votes count? An experimental study on voter errors and electoral systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月21日

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  • Zuzana Haase Formánková,
  • Ivan Jarabinský,
  • Miroslav Líbal,
  • Jan Oreský

摘要

We examine whether new and alternative electoral systems, each with unique ballot-marking characteristics, introduce administrative challenges that increase the likelihood of voter error. Using a within-subject survey experiment in the Czech Republic with a representative sample and a dual data-collection method (online and offline), we identify two key contributors to voting errors: electoral system complexity and the technical possibility of casting mismarked or invalid ballots. We propose theoretical dimensions of electoral system complexity—input structure, instruction length, and type of action—and provide a framework for studying voter behaviour and ballot-design effects. Based on these effects, we confirm that there is no direct trade-off between voting errors and precise preference expression. Online voting shows increased error rates compared to pen-and-paper voting. Our findings have practical implications for electoral reforms, showing that a full-ranking system and a conditional method pose challenges in terms of voter errors.