That would reduce the average level of education, political knowledge, and intelligence in the electorate.Turnout rates by education in 2008:
Less than high school, 39.4%
High school, 54.9%
Some college to bachelor’s degree, 71.5%
Post-graduate education, 82.7%
http://elections.gmu.edu/CPS_2008.html
Is there data supporting the claim that these traits correlate with selecting “better” candidates?
Yes—see Caplan’s “Myth of the Rational Voter”, showing education predicted “votes like an economist”
“Has beliefs about economic policy like an economist” more.
That would reduce the average level of education, political knowledge, and intelligence in the electorate.Turnout rates by education in 2008:
Less than high school, 39.4%
High school, 54.9%
Some college to bachelor’s degree, 71.5%
Post-graduate education, 82.7%
http://elections.gmu.edu/CPS_2008.html
Is there data supporting the claim that these traits correlate with selecting “better” candidates?
Yes—see Caplan’s “Myth of the Rational Voter”, showing education predicted “votes like an economist”
“Has beliefs about economic policy like an economist” more.