New York State ranked last in voter turnout
New 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]
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Comments
"uncompetitive races"
They're only uncompetitive because you don't vote.
... said Yerf on Nov 16, 2010 at 4:50 PM | link
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!
... said Jeff on Nov 16, 2010 at 5:04 PM | link
This is quite shameful.
... said Ro on Nov 16, 2010 at 6:15 PM | link
"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.
... said Paul on Nov 16, 2010 at 8:06 PM | link
And independent voters less likely because we don't trust the merit of vote-counters?
... said Maximilian on Nov 17, 2010 at 8:32 AM | link
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.
... said Theresa on Nov 18, 2010 at 10:53 AM | link