Have you been waiting for a book that will succinctly present the truths of candidates’ economic policies in time for the presidential elections? Keep waiting. Byran Caplan’s The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies gives insight into voting trends, but falls short of being practical in a pivotal election year.

The premise of Caplan’s book is that individual voters are irrational. Economists’ accepted theory regarding democratic voting is that enough voters are competent and will hold an elected official accountable to keep democracy in check. In actuality, he says, most voters are not competent, and democracy suffers as a result. Many voters have no reason to waste their time learning about the candidates’ platforms because of the unlikelihood that their vote will sway an election. Moreover, the average person pays little attention to what elected officials do in office. The result is foolish policy-making by the officials and an economically unhealthy democracy for all.

Caplan also writes about the general public’s ignorance of economics. For example, the average voter thinks that welfare and immigration are major contributors to the country’s poor economy; however, economists agree that both play minor roles.

As an associate professor of economics at George Mason University, Caplan’s bias toward economically-focused politics overwhelms his argument. He shows that voters often select candidates based on economic considerations, but don’t give much weight to other platform issues, such as civil rights. He also fails to address the issues on which economists disagree.

Ironically, the message of The Myth of the Rational Voter is lost to the demographic it should appeal to most — average, “irrational” voters. His hook is intriguing, but the book is so bogged down by complex descriptions of mathematical equations and economic jargon that even the most educated reader may lose interest. Those without a passion for economics will quickly realize that this book was not written for them.

Caplan shamelessly targets his audience. He identifies economics professors, professionals and students as the “elite.” 

“Stop being so modest,” he implores. Instead Caplan recommends that they “challenge the public’s misconceptions about markets, foreigners, saving labor, and progress.”

Ultimately, the voter is no more rational than before.  By focusing exclusively on the negative, The Myth of the Rational Voter squanders its chance to publicize enough truth to make it worthwhile.