AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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Jonathan Milner Jonathan Milner

Voter Turnout

Definition

Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Voter turnout is measured in different ways: a percentage of the population that is old enough to vote (“voting age population turnout”); a percentage of the number of eligible voters (“voting eligible population turnout”); and as a percentage of registered voters (“registered voter turnout”). However voter turnout is measured, high voter turnout is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Low turnout is often attributed to political disengagement and the widespread belief that voting for one candidate/party or another will do little to alter public policy. Voter turnout in the United States is lower than in most established democracies. Important legislation in the twentieth century, most notably the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has led to a long-term increase in the ability of Americans to participate in elections. The effects of other legislation intended to increase turnout, such as the National Voter Registration Act, have been more limited to specific administrative practices across states. Turnout varies greatly by state. In the 2020 presidential election, 80% of eligible voters in Minnesota cast ballots, whereas only 55% of eligible Oklahoman voters did. Many different factors influence voter turnout levels. 

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is voter turnout?

  2. Describe different ways of measuring voter turnout.

  3. What does low voter turnout say about a nation’s democratic health?

  4. What typically happens to voter turnout in off-year elections?

  5. Find a good image or emoji to represent voter turnout. What is one reason that the US has a low voter turnout compared to other wealthy countries?

  6. Within the US, do some elections tend to have higher voter turnout than others?

  7. What is the main difference between voter turnout, turn up, and turnt?

  8. Explain turn up to your teacher?

  9. What would be one way to increase voter turnout in the US?

  10. Why do you think voter turnout varies from country to country and even from state to state?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw voter turnout. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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