New York State ranked last in voter turnout

albany county ballot scannerNew York State had the lowest voter turnout in nation during this most recent election, according to figures compiled by the United State Election Project at George Mason University. Of people eligible vote (but not necessarily registered), only 32.1 percent showed up on Election Day (methodology).

The top five states -- and bottom five -- are after the jump.

The Empire State has done a bit better in recent years. During the 2008 election, the state ranked 42nd with 58.3 percent. And in the 2006 midterm election, the state again ranked 42nd on 34.9 percent participation.

Among the reasons offered by political scientists for New York's low turnout: uncompetitive races and a slow adoption of convenient voting options such as early voting.

[via NYT City Room]

Comments

"uncompetitive races"

They're only uncompetitive because you don't vote.

I find it amazing that more people turn out for presidential races where they have the least say, but don't turn out for local/state races where they have the most say.

Oh well, I guess my vote counts more... yay for me!

This is quite shameful.

"They're only uncompetitive because you don't vote." -Yerf

Interesting thought, but is it true? We would have to see what parties the 68% non-voting residents were a part of (the registered ones, anyway). From what I heard leading up to election day, it was Democrats that were less likely to go out and vote because their wins were thought to be a sure-thing. Republicans and other parties were probably more likely to vote to try and score an upset victory.

And independent voters less likely because we don't trust the merit of vote-counters?

I'm a transplant to NY and was SHOCKED that "I voted" stickers were not being distributed at my polling place. I'm wondering if the lack of positive sticker reinforcement is hurting voter turnout in the Empire State.

Say Something!

We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.

What's All Over Albany?

All Over Albany is for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. In other words, it's for you. It's kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who can help you find out what's up. Oh, and our friends call us AOA.

Search

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine