The classic attempt to define the voting age population for the 19 th century is by Walter Dean Burnham, “The Turnout Problem” in Elections American Style ed., Reichley (Brookings: Washington D.C., 1987) Burnham published only the turnout ratio, not his actual estimate of the voting age population! ![]() But before 1920 the numbers used are always adjusted for the shifting definition of citizens with voting rights. Voting Age Population is typically calculated based on census data (“resident population years and older”). Other things equal, when the stakes in the election seem greater, turnout should increase. Third: Electoral competition should drive up turnout.In comparing two jurisdictions over time with comparable demographic characteristics (education, age, income, etc.), turnout should be higher in the one with less restrictive registration requirements. Second: Ease of registration should affect turnout.Well-functioning democracies are more inclusive and will have higher turnout. First: turnout may be a way of assessing the health of a popular democracy. ![]() Three propositions underlie most research on turnout. Reported measures of each of these has varied somewhat over time as estimates have been revised and refined. Various measures may be used as the denominator: (1) The Voting Age Population-broadly speaking it is the population above the legal voting age (2) Voting Eligible Population-all citizens who are not excluded from voting because of some legal impediment (3) Registered voters. The numerator is the number of votes cast. Turnout is usually discussed as a ratio although always based on a count of votes cast. “Turnout” refers to efforts to measure the extent of popular participation in elections.
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