Flossi in Philadelphia
Based on the information available up to October 19, 2024, the states with the highest and lowest voter turnout can be summarized as follows:
- Highest Voter Turnout:
- Minnesota has consistently been noted for high voter turnout, with figures like 79.96% in recent elections, often ranking at the top.
- Following closely, states like Maine, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Washington have also shown high voter turnout rates, typically in the mid to high 70% range for presidential elections.
- Lowest Voter Turnout:
- Oklahoma frequently appears at or near the bottom, with turnout rates around 54.99% in recent analyses.
- Other states often mentioned for lower turnout include Arkansas, West Virginia, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Texas, where turnout percentages can hover around or below 60% in presidential elections.
These statistics are generally based on the voting-eligible population (VEP) rather than just the voting age population (VAP), which gives a more accurate representation of voter participation by accounting for ineligible voters like non-citizens or felons in some states.
The reasons for these turnout levels can vary widely, including state election laws, voter suppression or facilitation efforts, demographic composition, political culture, and the competitiveness of elections in those states. For instance, states with significant efforts towards voter education, easier access to voting (like mail-in voting or longer early voting periods), or competitive elections might see higher turnout, whereas states with restrictive voting laws or where elections are less contested might see lower turnout.