This study investigates candidate entry during political polarization. Laboratory experiments reveal citizens with extreme ideal points enter races more frequently than moderates, despite overall low voter representation rates.

Voter Information Matters:

We observe greater polarization* (extremes entering more often) when voters receive directional information via ideological labels.

* Paradoxically, this heightened polarization is welfare-enhancing due to lower entry costs and improved candidate knowledge among voters.

Entry Game Dependencies:

* Political competition increases with group size: fewer candidates enter in larger groups.

* Higher entry fees also decrease overall candidacy rates.

These findings align with the unique symmetric Bayesian equilibrium but suggest a deviation from theoretical predictions—observed biases are better explained by logit quantal response equilibrium.