Voter turnout measures civic participation by calculating what percentage of eligible voters cast ballots. In the U.S., turnout averages 60-66% in presidential elections but drops to 40-50% in midterm elections. Turnout varies significantly by age, income, education, and race, with older, wealthier, and more educated citizens voting at higher rates.
Voter turnout determines which groups have political influence and whose interests get represented. Low turnout can distort democracy by giving disproportionate power to smaller, more motivated voter groups.
People think low turnout means people don't care, but structural barriers like registration requirements, voting day logistics, and voter suppression laws significantly impact turnout rates.
Voter turnout determines which groups have political influence and whose interests get represented. Low turnout can distort democracy by giving disproportionate power to smaller, more motivated voter groups.
People think low turnout means people don't care, but structural barriers like registration requirements, voting day logistics, and voter suppression laws significantly impact turnout rates.