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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Study: Record-low Turnouts Seen in Some Primaries

More than half the states to hold primary elections so far have seen record-low turnouts, according to a nonpartisan survey of voter rolls released this week. That perhaps is a sign of widespread apathy within both political parties ahead of November's midterm elections.

Of the almost 123 million voters who were eligible to cast ballots in primaries, only 18 million have done so, and states with same-day voter registration actually saw their turnout rates drop, according to the Center for the Study of the American Electorate. Despite heavy campaign spending that is poised to make history, 15 of the 25 states that have held statewide primary elections each reported a record low percentage of voters who cast ballots.

The low turnout comes amid high stakes. Republicans are driving for the six-seat gain required to control the Senate.

Nonetheless, Democrats saw a 29 percent decline from 2010's primaries, the 11th consecutive midterm elections to see a drop in participation.

Republicans posted a 15 percent decline in participation from 2010. But their rate was closer to historical norms after tea party enthusiasm in 2010 led to a turnout spike.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

"states with same-day voter registration actually saw their turnout rates drop"

That means that so-called voter repression is b.s.

Anonymous said...

People are not motivated with the choices presented. Put someone up that is not afraid to take on the Communists straight on and watch the excitement. Rick Perry comes to mind as the most recent choice.