Nudges at the ballot box: the role of behavioral interventions in electoral participation

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on the use of nudges - subtle behavioral interventions - in electoral processes, focusing on their effectiveness in encouraging voter participation. The subject belongs to the field of behavioral approaches in public policy. The methodological approach was qualitative, based on exploratory research and document analysis, considering recent studies retrieved through systematic searches in academic databases. The analysis employed descriptive inference, which allows the interpretation of observational phenomena based on empirical data. The reviewed studies show convergence regarding the potential of nudges to influence electoral behavior, although they diverge in terms of effectiveness which depends on factors such as prior engagement, political context, and institutional acceptance. The literature is promising but requires more methodological standardization and longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of such interventions.