Does political corruption put people off voting? (Not if it’s really bad)

If you think the politicians in your country are corrupt, are you less likely to turn out to vote? Some studies suggest you are. Others find the opposite – perhaps because corrupt politicians will say anything to get re-elected, and their promises motivate voters. Stefan Dahlberg and Maria Solevid found that perceived corruption does indeed deter voters – unless they live in countries where corruption is endemic. Turnout is still lower in these places, but not because voters are put off by corruption.