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Indicator: Voter Turnout

Data and Data Discussion provided by Sustainable Seattle

Voter Turnout, King County

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Sustainability Snapshot:

Democracy’s dilemma is that the more people feel they have no influence, the less they participate in the electoral process — and the less influence they have. Participation in elections is one indicator of the public’s interest in government. Voter participation correlates strongly with the level of interest in particular races and issues at the federal, state and local levels.

Sustainability Trend:

General elections always have higher participation compared with primaries while presidential elections (2000 and 2004) provide the highest turnout among voters.

Data Discussion

The Indicator Defined

Percentage of voter participation in elections in region over time

Data Interpretation/Evaluation

The percentage of the eligible voters that participate in elections is an indicator of the public’s level of interest in their government. This indicator only reveals the level of participation, not the level of satisfaction of the population. In some cases, high rates of participation can be associated with the population’s eagerness to participate and influence its government’s leadership and actions.

Voter participation correlates strongly with the level of interest in particular races and issues at the federal, state and local levels. General elections always have higher participation compared with primaries while presidential elections (2000 and 2004) provide the highest turnout among voters. In 2004, races for president, governor, and state legislators motivated 83 percent of King County voters to participate in the November general election. Races for county executive and county council were on the 2005 ballot. In 2006, the legislature and half of the Washington’s congressional seats were subject to election.

The type of election (special, primary, general, or presidential year) and specific issues (such as an initiative or referendum) dramatically affect voter interest and participation. The ease of registration and voting, either at a poll or by mail-in ballot, also impacts participation. At polling locations, accessible facilities, transportation options, and inclement weather can impact voter turnout.

Data Source and Limitations

The data comes from King County Annual Indicator and Measures (King County AIMs High, www.http://www.metrokc.gov/aimshigh/search2.asp?GOVoterTurnout.  The original  source is King County Department of Executive Services, Records, Elections, and Licensing Services Division.

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