Genes May Determine How We Vote

When considering politics the genetics of a person is usually not considered when discussing that person’s political behavior. However, studies are showing that genes may in fact influence political behavior. Previously it was believed that political preferences were formed by environmental factors and social learning. Studies on twins can help to show this influence on political behavior. When identical and fraternal twins were compared it was found that once teenagers left their homes identical twins were more likely to hold similar beliefs, while the fraternal twins were more likely to differentiate on their political views. This study lends proof to the claim that genetics can have an effect on a persons’ political behavior.



This genetic effect on political behavior is likely due to thousands of genetic markers rather than one gene being tied to a political belief. It is possible that an influence on political behavior could be caused by other genes that influence our emotions, an indirect genetic influence, on emotions that may influence our political beliefs. Specifically, genes that have to do with dopamine and serotonin seemingly have an effect on voter turnout and political participation. Despite the evidence that seems to be showing a genetic effect on political behavior experts do say that there may not be a definite correlation. Many other things influence political behavior which makes a definite correlation between genetics and political behavior less likely.

I believe that this is an extremely interesting thought on genetics. Something as seemingly unrelated to genetics as political behavior now has evidence showing that genetics may have some effect. It opens up thoughts to what other seemingly unrelated things could be related to genetics.