On October 5, the Center for the Study of the American Electorate released its study of voter turnout in the 2006 primaries. The Center says only 15.2% of the eligible electorate voted in the 2006 primaries, the lowest turnout for primaries since World War II. However, the Center emphasized that this does not mean the turnout in November will necessarily be low; most indicators are that it will be above normal for a mid-term general election.
The Center for the Study of the American Electorate has been the leading source for turnout data for many decades. It is now affiliated with American University.
Hmmmm…. The Libertarian, Greens, Constitution, and Reform Parties struggle to reach the 5% barrier in most elections, yet 4% of eligible voters would be enough to secure a major party ballot line, which is an automatic win in many (gerrymandered) districts….
15% turnout, 7.5% per party, 3.75% to win, you get the idea….