Markets hardly function without the guarantee that the buyer will receive the product he has purchased, or that the seller will receive payment. In this sense, State action is essential to guarantee these arrangements, eventually punishing agents who do not fulfill their part. In this way, people feel more comfortable in carrying out their exchanges, and markets gain strength.
However, in certain situations, the State acts to restrain the flourishing of markets. Take the case of buying and selling votes in elections. With the expansion of smartphones, it is increasingly easier for voters to prove that they voted for a certain candidate. A simple video is able to attest to the action. In other words, the seller can prove that he delivered the product as agreed to the buyer.
Without this proof, candidates would hardly be willing to spend scarce resources to buy votes directly, and would seek other strategies – such as convincing voters of their proposals. But access to smartphones – and the possibility of them entering voting booths – can reverse this logic, enabling the market for buying and selling votes to expand.
And note that payment for the vote does not necessarily involve money. A businessman could threaten employees who did not vote for his candidate with dismissal – in which case, the “reward” would be job retention. Public servants could be persecuted if they did not choose candidates aligned with their “bosses”.
A recent decision by the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) is thus aimed at curbing the voting market. The court ruled that cell phones should be left with poll workers (they are already banned at the polling station). It also provides for potential punishments for those who break the rule.
The decision certainly increases the cost for voters who decide to bring their cell phones, in addition to underscoring the importance of avoiding the use of these devices during voting. Totally shy away? Probably not. Unless the polling station checks all voters or metal detectors are installed in the polls (which they certainly won’t), some voters will take their cell phones to the booth.
Mauro Rodrigues (professor of economics at USP and author of the book “Under the magnifying glass of the economist”) and the team at Por Quê?
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
