United States Elections Project

VOTER TURNOUT IN VIRGINIA: 37.5%, UP FROM 36.5% FOUR YEARS AGO

Dr. Michael P. McDonald, Assistant Professor at George Mason and an expert on voter turnout in the United States, has determined that “a greater percentage of Virginia citizens voted than four years ago.”

Among the estimated 5,275,505 Virginians eligible to vote, the 2005 turnout rate in the gubernatorial election was 37.5%, while in 2001 the turnout rate was 36.5%, an increase of one percentage point.

Dr. McDonald calculates turnout rates based on those eligible to vote, factoring out ineligible non-citizens and felons.  He does not calculate turnout as a percentage of voter registration, since voter registration is contaminated by “deadwood,” persons who are registered at an address but no longer live there.

Dr. McDonald’s turnout rates are distributed to the national media through the national exit poll organization during federal elections.

Dr. McDonald said, “The closeness of the election was the single greatest factor in enticing people to the polls last Tuesday.  Hold and interesting election, and they will vote.”

Office: 703-993-4191
Fax: 703-993-1399
Email: mmcdon@gmu.edu