On March 7, the Bipartisan Policy Center released this study of turnout in 2012 presidential primaries. It shows generally lower turnout than in past presidential primary seasons, but notes that 2012 presidential primary has been comparatively better in the states with open primaries or semi-closed primaries.
So far, the worst turnout in 2012 has been in Virginia, where only 4.6% of the eligible electorate chose to vote in the presidential primary.
the Bipartisan Policy Center was formed in 2007 by former U.S. Senate leaders Howard Baker, Bob Dole, George Mitchell,, and Tom Daschle. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.
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P.R. and nonpartisan App.V.
NO robot party hack MORON primaries, caucuses and conventions — which are now filled with robot party hack extremists.
The VA primary clearly shows that excluding candidates with support of significant numbers of voters leads to dismal turnout. With fewer candidates campaigning and doing gotv work, fewer people are engaged and feel it worth their while to vote.
The lack of choice in the democratic primary drastically lowers voter interest and turnout. This certainly contributes strongly to turnout being lower on average.
Ballot access is key to increasing voter turnout in any election. It is no wonder that so many choose not to vote each november.