Is There Gender Bias Among Voters? Evidence from the Chilean Congressional Elections

Abstract

I exploit the unique institution of gender-segregated voting booths in Chile, allowing the use of actual voting data, instead of self-reported surveys, to test for gender bias among voters. I find evidence of a small but significant negative gender bias: women overall are less likely than men to vote for female candidates. The effect is mainly driven by center-right voters. Selection and candidates’ quality do not explain away the results. These results are consistent with a model in which female and male legislators vote alike, and women voters living in municipalities where traditional gender roles are more prevalent have a preference for center-right male candidates instead of female candidates.