Campaign Effects in the Spanish Election of 2000

This article addresses two controversial questions related to the effect of electoral campaigns. Malaise theories suggest that, although campaigns are intended to get out votes, they can in some cases have a demobilizing effect. Minimal effects theories suggest that campaigns have little conversion effects and that they mainly reinforce prior predispositions of voters. Looking at the Spanish general election of 2000 this article examines whether the campaign had a demobilizing effect and whether it also had an impact on the vote choice itself. Panel data make it possible to estimate the effect of exposure to campaign messages, the evaluation of the campaign carried out by parties and candidates, and the changes in attitudes that may have occurred during the campaign. The results show that the campaign did not demobilize voters but did have a significant effect on voters' support of the party in government.