Between ‘Approval’ and ‘Rejection’: Non-Resident Citizens' Vote Choice in Constitutional Plebiscites

Abstract

This article examines how the political resocialisation of Chilean emigrants shapes their electoral preferences in constitutional plebiscites. We propose a set of hypotheses linking democracy levels in residence countries, prior electoral experience, ideology, and exposure to constitutional reforms abroad to voting behaviour. Using both administrative and individual-level data, our analysis yields three key findings. First, Chileans residing in less democratic countries than Chile are more likely to reject constitutional plebiscites. Second, while prior electoral experience and partisan ideology contribute to stable voting patterns, exposure to constitutional reforms in residence countries does not significantly shape non-residents' vote choices. Third, individual-level evidence underscores the role of democratic pluralism, prior voting participation, ideology, and socioeconomic factors in structuring electoral behaviour abroad. By situating non-resident Chilean voters within broader debates on migrant political participation, this study provides insights into how transnational experiences shape electoral engagement in origin-country politics.