Voter turnout is a phenomenon affected by multiple factors. Moreover, different states normally have a variety of environmental factors that determine the voter turnout for every state. For example, the 2012 election saw 76 percent of eligible voters in Minnesota come out whereas only 45 percent voted in Hawaii (Fair Vote, 2014). Chiefly, however, election turnout is normally determined by demographic factors, electoral competitiveness and the election type. This paper briefly discusses these factors.
Demographic factors are an important consideration during electoral turnout. Research has shown that regular voters are normally white, highly educated and older. Young voters were less likely to vote, with statistics showing them almost always 30 percentage points lower than people who were over 30. Women have also turned out higher for every election since 1980, indicating that this is a factor to consider (Dye & MacManus, 2015). However, older women are less likely to vote. Wealthy individuals are also more likely to vote compared to poorer constituents.
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Electoral competitiveness normally affects voter turnout, especially in swing states. For example, the 2012 election saw over 66% voter turnout in the twelve most competitive states whereas the remainder only saw 57% turnout. Swing states therefore see higher voter turnout, especially where there is a competitive election (Highton, 2004). Lastly, the election type directs the voter turnout. For instance, it is established fact that run-off elections normally have a lower turnout. Moreover, local elections, primaries and off-year elections are normally characterized by low voter turnout. The Dallas Mayor election of 1999 saw a record low of 5 percent voter turnout.
References
Dye, T. R., & MacManus, S. A. (2015). Politics in states and communities (15th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Fair Vote. (2014). What Affects Voter Turnout Rates . Retrieved from Fair Vote: http://www.fairvote.org/what_affects_voter_turnout_rates
Highton, B. (2004). Voter registration and turnout in the United States. Perspectives on Politics, 2(3) , 507-515.
