Abstract
We study geographic political representation and geographic distribution of local public goods within local jurisdictions with at-large proportional representation elections. We use detailed geo-coded data on politicians, the electorate, and elementary schools. Descriptive analysis reveals that poorer neighborhoods are underrepresented and that local politicians have a strong support base in their home neighborhoods. Based on randomized election outcomes due to personal vote count ties, geographic representation has a causal effect on school closures. The probability of closure is cut in half when a candidate living close to the school is randomly elected. High-income residents react to closures by moving away from the neighborhood, thus reinforcing segregation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 860-875 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Journal of Politics |
| Volume | 85 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 25 May 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2023 |
| MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |