Replication Data for: Personality Traits and Vote Switching: A Tale of Open-Minded Switchers and Agreeable Populism Resisters

In increasingly individualised Western societies, personality is becoming a key factor in understanding political behaviour. While some voting patterns are well researched, this article examines a less studied topic: the influence of the Big Five personality traits on vote switching. Based on three waves of an online survey panel from Germany (June 2022, Jan 2023, Oct 2023; N = 4,351), adjusted for socio-demographics and party preferences, we used t-tests, logistic regression, and mediation analyses to examine two forms of vote switching: a) general switching (regardless of party), and b) switching to the far-right populist Alternative for Germany (AfD). After controlling for age, gender, region, educa-tion, and income, openness and conscientiousness significantly increase the likelihood of switching votes. No consistent effects were found for extraversion or agreeableness. We also find that conscien-tious individuals are more prone to switch to AfD, while openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism reduce the likelihood. Although the switch to AfD is largely mediated by left-right self-placement, there is no significant indirect effect via political orientation on general vote switching. Instead, there is strong evidence of a direct effect of openness and conscientiousness. These findings highlight the role of personality in electoral behaviour. Practical implications for political campaigning as well as limita-tions and are also discussed in the article.