Where does your state fall in voter turnout rankings? What are turnout trends for different elections and populations? We have links and resources to the best public sources of voter turnout information for U.S. elections, including our America Goes to the Polls series on voter turnout in recent national elections.
America Goes to the Polls 2010
America Goes to the Polls is the only publication that ranks the 50 states (and the District of Columbia) according to voter turnout rates. It also ranks turnout growth for each state compared to the previous midterm election. To do so, it uses the certified voter turnout for the 2010 midterm election—as reported by state election offices—and estimates of voting eligible population from the U.S. Elections Project.
Beyond the rankings, America Goes to the Polls reports on key voting trends such as the wide gap in youth turnout between presidential and midterm elections, the rise in early voting, and the continued growth of the Latino electorate. The report concludes with a discussion of issues related to voter registration and early voting, and their potential to improve—or hinder—future voter participation.
Voter Turnout Reports for Past Elections
America Goes to the Polls 2010: Voter Participation Gaps
America Goes to the Polls 2008: Full Report
America Goes to the Polls 2008: Voter Participation Gaps
America Goes to the Polls 2006: Full Report
National and State Turnout Data
United States Elections Project - State Voter Turnout Data since 1980
The U.S. Elections Project at George Mason University, headed by Professor Michael McDonald, is the best source of information for state and national voter turnout dating back to the 1980 presidential election. It features state-by-state turnout statistics, based on official results reported by state elections offices.
The US Census site has estimates of voter turnout and voter registration, based on post-election survey data of midterm and presidential elections. Census survey numbers are broken down by several variables, including state, ethnicity, gender, age, and educational attainment.
American National Election Studies (ANES) - Political Involvement and Participation in Politics
ANES's mission is "producing high quality data on voting, public opinion, and political participation to serve the research needs of those who wish to better understand the foundations of national election outcomes." ANES provides biennial studies of voter and election participation including "Political Involvement and Participation in Politics".
States and Counties
Secretary of State – State Elections Division
You can find a wealth of voter registration and voter turnout data on your state's elections website. Voter registration data is often listed in a separate "Voter Registration" section, while turnout information is generally contained within election results. Keep in mind that states vary in how they calculate their turnout data and the number of people casting certified and counted ballots.
County/City Boards of Elections
Visit your county or city board of elections for similar voter registration and turnout statistics.
International
The Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is the largest source of voter turnout information around the world.
National Election Exit Polls
National Election Exit polls are conducted by Edison Research for national media outlets. As reported by CNN: