The Effects of Issue Advocacy Advertising on Voters' Candidate Issue Knowledge and Turnout

Abstract

This study examined the effects of issue advocacy ads on voters' candidate issue knowledge and turnout, using the 2000 National Election Study survey combined with ad tracking data by Campaign Media Analysis Group. The results showed that those who lived in an area where more issue ads were aired had higher candidate issue knowledge than those in an area with fewer issue ads. Those in an area with more issue ads were more likely to vote than those with fewer issue ads.