Voter Turnout About 40%

(CBS/AP)  A preliminary analysis shows voter turnout this year was slightly higher than the last midterm election, a little over 40 percent, says Curtis Gans, director of the nonpartisan Center for the Study of the American Electorate at American University.

Turnout was down in some states and up in others — notably up in Virginia, where it appeared a higher number voted than in any midterm in the state's history.

It also was a big turnout success for Democrats. They drew more voters than Republicans for the first time in a midterm election since 1990, Gans said Wednesday.

The national figure of slightly over 40 percent turnout this year compares with 39.7 percent in the last midterm in 2002.

National turnout could end up substantially higher, pending more complete numbers from California and Washington state, Gans said. The highest recent midterm turnout was 42.1 percent in 1982.

A key factor in the Democratic takeover of the House, and a factor that drove Democratic voters to the polls, it seems, was the scandals plaguing Republican incumbents.

Nationally, more voters named corruption as an extremely important factor in their House voter than any other issue. Forty-one percent of voters said corruption was as an extremely important factor in their vote, compared to 39 percent who said terrorism and 39 percent who said the economy.

In fiercely contested Virginia — where Democratic challenger James Webb's lead over Republican incumbent George Allen was razor thin and a recount was likely — an estimated 43.7 percent of eligible voters went to the polls, compared to 29.2 percent in the previous midterm.

The last time turnout was comparably high in Virginia was when it hit 43.2 in 1994, Gans said.

Ohioans also came out in substantially greater numbers. Unofficial figures showed 44.3 percent of eligible voters cast ballots compared to 38.4 percent in 2002.

Turnout also was substantially higher in Michigan and Missouri; somewhat higher in Connecticut, Delaware and Kentucky, and slightly higher in Montana, Gans' calculations showed.

It went down substantially in Louisiana because voters there didn't have a statewide race to decide "and because of (Hurricane) Katrina," Gans said. Decreases also were posted in Florida, Georgia and likely Hawaii, he said.

[dcmgbusacbs]

HOW TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT (RECOMMENDATIONS)

1. A Constitutional Amendment to establish 24 hour voting in all states and territories in the United States of America on Election Day.

2. Reqire all businesses to post signs saying: TODAY IS ELECTION DAY: DON"T FORGET TO VOTE! YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

3. Require all radio and television stations to announce TODAY IS ELECTION DAY: DON"T FORGET TO VOTE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! every half hour.

4. Require all newspapers to publish statements of all candidates on the ballot. Answer quetions:

a. Why the candidate is running for office.
b. What the candidate hopes to accomplish if elected.
c. What other issue the canidate feels are important.

5. Make free air time available at all candidates on the ballot on public access channels to state the platform and issues thy are running on for office.

6. Make free air time available to all Congrssmen and United States Senators on national television and radio networks.

[publius51]

Hi folks,

I'm a political scholar, and I just want to quickly point something out (something that CBS SHOULD know already!): the way that the Center for the Study of the American Electorate comes up with the 40% figure is misleading to a certain extent. They use the poorest measure, which is VAP (Voting age population) -- so in other words, the 40 percent figure means that 40 percent of all Americans 18 years old and over voted. However, not every person 18 years old and older CAN legally vote (for example, felons). When you factor that in, the percentage goes up.

The picture changes most dramatically, however, when you use the measure that many of us argue is most helpful: the percentage of REGISTERED voters that voted. The percentage of registered voters in the US that actually vote is respectable (we always wish it were higher) -- and is often higher than Canada, the UK, Japan, and other countries that we are "supposed to look up to." (by the way, the registered voter turnout in my state was -- I believe -- 67 percent).

Just remember: there are many ways to measure something, and an advocacy group like Gans' organization wants to use the measure that will portray things in the worst light. But of course, we still need to seek improvements ...

One last thing: there is some interesting evidence that low turnout is actually a sign of a HEALTHY democracy, but I'll leave that for another time ...

[ohellno]

Honestly. Go try to "mustard" up some more votes, *******. If you think about it, 40% is not bad at all. But would you honestly want a 100% voter turnout? not everyone has a knowledgeable opinion on candidates, and what you would get in return is a mobocracy.

[ohellno]

Honestly. Go try to "mustard" up some more votes, *******. If you think about it, 40% is not bad at all. But would you honestly want a 100% voter turnout? not everyone has a knowledgeable opinion on candidates, and what you would get in return is a mobocracy.

[seann69]

I'm laughing hysterically at these people complaining about a 40% turnout.

What rock do you live under? Here's a hint, next time do a bit of research.

40% is normal. If you think a higher turnout would change election outcomes don't understand the 2 party political system or electoral votes.

In California I know without a shred of doubt that my district will elect a Democrat to the House even if I don't vote. I vote so I can complain.

The popular vote doesn't mean squat. Remember the last presidential election?

[tibu987]

Shameful is the word that comes to mind for the low, 40%, voter turnout. But, it also indicates the little confidence that Americans have in their political leaders.

I do ask that all elected candidates remember that they represent ALL the people, not just their partisan followers. Also, we will be watching and now, more than ever before, we will watch for corruption and graft and get rid of very quickly. This is an era where we, the people you represent, expect unfailing honesty and attention to your duty to the country.

We hope too, that you will find some strategy that will get our young troops out of Iraq.

[bluestardad]

Day of Reckoning

[houser123]

You know, even though this mid term election may set a record for turn out, it amazes me that only 40% of registerd voters bother to exercise their rights. If you think about it, roughly 20% of the registered voters determine which direction our country takes. So sad that we have lost thousands of lives fighting for the right to vote and we dont take advantage.

Congratulations to all that participate. TO all the rest, shut up and take what comes your way.