What effect does voter exhaustion typically have on elections?

Voter exhaustion refers to the feeling of fatigue or disengagement that some voters experience, typically due to the frequency of elections, a lengthy voting process, or overwhelming ballots with numerous candidates and propositions. When this occurs, individuals may feel overwhelmed or disillusioned, which can lead them to decide not to participate in elections altogether.

This phenomenon discourages people from voting because they might perceive the effort required to research candidates or issues as too taxing or pointless, especially if they believe their vote will not significantly impact the outcome. As such, it often results in lower voter turnout, particularly among those who might initially consider participating in the electoral process. The cumulative effect decreases the overall participation rate, thereby influencing the outcomes of elections, potentially favoring certain candidates or parties that can mobilize their supporters effectively.