A dataset of all Australian federal elections from 1984 to 2004, used to analyze heterogeneous ballot order effects. The data is an order of magnitude larger than those used in previous ballot order studies. It was analyzed by Amy King of the University of Oxford.
Use Cases
- Estimate the average effect of ballot position on candidate vote share based on the described 1 percentage point finding.
- Compare ballot order effect magnitudes between major parties and independents/minor parties as described in the analysis.
- Investigate demographic correlates of ballot order effects, such as voter age and English fluency, across electorates.
- Analyze temporal trends in ballot order effects over the 20-year period covered by the study.
Strengths
- Covers all Australian federal elections over a 20-year period from 1984 to 2004.
- The dataset is described as an order of magnitude larger than those used in previous ballot order studies.
- Analysis reveals specific, quantified effects, such as a 1 percentage point average increase in vote share for top-placed candidates.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to the 1984-2004 period.
Provenance
- Source
- University of Oxford
- Collection Method
- Analysis of Australian federal election data.
- Time Range
- 1984-2004
- Geography
- Australia