A flexible measure of voter polarization

This paper introduces a definition of ideological polarization that measures dispersion of voter ideology around any central point of interest to a researcher. Applying this framework to U.S. survey data reveals that polarization around right-of-center positions increased gradually, while polarization around left-of-center positions remained stable before rising sharply. I then show how this model of ideological polarization is linked to affective polarization and to increased salience of divisive issues. • The paper introduces a way of measuring polarization in a distribution. • The measure evaluates dispersion around any chosen central point. • The paper applies it to measuring evolution of electoral polarization in the US. • The measure is linked to affective polarization and to salience of divisive issues.