district may focus on spending projects specific to the district without sufficient concern for whether this

spending is in the nation's interest.

When more than two choices exist, the principle that the majority of voters should decide may not always

make logical sense, because situations can arise where it becomes literally impossible to decide what the

“majority” prefers. Government may also be slower than private firms to correct its mistakes, because

government agencies do not face competition or the threat of new entry.

18.1 Voter Participation and Costs of Elections

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the significance of rational ignorance

• Evaluate the impact of election expenses

In U.S. presidential elections over the last few decades, about 55% to 65% of voting-age citizens actually voted,

according to the U.S. Census. In congressional elections when there is no presidential race, or in local
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