Can protest occurrence influence electoral behavior? In this paper, we examine the changes in trajectories of voter turnout and electoral preferences at the local level after a contentious cycle. Using data from protests during the 2019 mobilizations in Bolivia and Chile, and subsequent general election results in both countries, we examine the impact that street demonstrations had on voting behavior. Through difference-in-differences models, we assess if (1) protest occurrence influenced voter turnout, (2) if there was a change in political preferences, compared to previous elections, and (3) if episodes of repression affect the relationship between protest and electoral behavior. We find that political participation increased in the localities that experienced protest, compared to ones that did not develop contentious activities. Conversely, the incumbent party is electorally punished in the repressed localities. This paper contributes to the literature on the effects of social movements by evaluating how the proximity and experience of protest influences electoral behavior.
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