Are you subconsciously voting for the political candidates with a deeper voice? According to a study from researchers at the University of Miami and Duke University, published online August 7, voters may be subconsciously biased when it comes to choosing their political leaders, favoring the ones with the low-pitched voices.

The researchers believe this bias dates back to the “caveman” days when physical strength was associated with leadership roles. The physically strongest was perceived as the one most able to protect the ‘pack,’ thus held the title of leader. This ideology is very similar to the animal environments; the strongest animal is assigned as the leader of the pack and is respected for their strength. One trait of being physically strong is having a higher testosterone level, resulting in low-pitched voices. Therefore, the subconscious bias of voters may prefer the deep-pitched voices of the political candidates.

How is this belief valid when we have women leaders? The answer is relative. It is common for women to have a lower testosterone level than men which is why their voices are not normally as low and deep. Consequently, when a woman does have a lower-pitched voice (relative to being a female), the subconscious of the voter may become biased and correlate a strength in her voice. Individual voters may resort to the “caveman” days and unknowingly believe she is strong by the pitch of her voice.

The researchers were able to rule out any bias regarding age-related voice pitches. Older individuals may have lower-pitched voices which could have convoluted the study. Upon further investigation, they found voters preferred strength and competence more so than the age of the candidate.

Being aware of the “caveman” bias may help an individual vote more responsibly. Physical strength is irrelevant in today’s society.