ABSTRACT
In Downs' seminal theory of the electoral interactions between electoral entrepreneurs and voters, he conceptualizes choice as resulting from a comparison of preferences. Elections constrain the expression of voters' electoral preferences. Most electoral systems allow only a single option to be chosen. Multiple party preference data are available in many contemporary election studies, and exist predominantly in a few "flavors" which differ regarding what it is about parties that is preferred to a greater or lesser degree. Analysts interested in electoral support for parties sometimes have a decision to make about the kind of variable on which to focus: choice, or multiple preferences. Multiple preference questions provide a separate variable for each of the parties for which the question is asked. These can be used in at least two different ways when studying the bases of electoral support: separately or jointly.
