- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 13,930,369
New York saw a voter turnout of 63.6% in the 2020 election, which, while higher than some states, was still lower than expected for such a populous and politically influential state. Factors contributing to the lower turnout include complex voting procedures, long wait times at polling stations, and a lack of competitive races in certain areas.
Additionally, New York's urban population may face challenges such as difficulty accessing polling sites or navigating the absentee voting process. To improve turnout, the state has been implementing reforms such as early voting and automatic voter registration to make the voting process more accessible.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 5,050,535
Indiana's voter turnout in the 2020 election was 61.4%, placing it below the national average. Contributing factors include strict voter ID laws, limited early voting options, and a lack of competitive races that could inspire greater voter interest.
Indiana also has a significant rural population, where access to polling locations and voter education resources may be limited. Despite these challenges, efforts to increase voter turnout in Indiana have focused on expanding access to absentee voting and increasing public awareness about the importance of participating in the electoral process, particularly in underserved communities.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 1,560,752
New Mexico's voter turnout in the 2020 election was 61.3%, slightly below the national average. While the state has made strides in increasing voter participation, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas with limited access to polling locations.
Additionally, New Mexico has a diverse population with significant Native American and Hispanic communities, who may face unique barriers to voting, such as language differences and distrust of the electoral system.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 20,021,307
Texas had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the 2020 election, with just 60.4% of eligible voters casting ballots. Despite being a large and politically significant state, barriers such as strict voter ID laws, limited polling locations, and lengthy ballots may have contributed to the low participation.
Additionally, Texas has historically struggled with voter engagement, particularly among younger and minority populations. Voter preregistration is only granted within 6 months or less of a person’s 18th birthday.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 2,175,222
Mississippi had a voter turnout of 60.2% in the 2020 election, reflecting ongoing challenges in electoral participation. Contributing factors include strict voter ID requirements, limited access to early voting, and the state's deeply entrenched political divisions, which may lead to voter apathy.
Mississippi also has significant rural and minority populations, who may face additional barriers to voting, such as difficulty accessing polling places or navigating the absentee voting process – which many feel is not an adequate period of time.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 5,316,827
Tennessee's voter turnout in 2020 was 59.8%, reflecting a continued trend of low electoral participation in the state. Contributing factors include restrictive voting laws, such as strict voter ID requirements, and a lack of same-day voter registration. Additionally, the state's deeply entrenched political divisions may lead to voter apathy, with some residents feeling that their votes won't make a difference.
Despite efforts to improve voter engagement, such as increasing early voting days and promoting voter education, Tennessee still faces challenges in motivating a larger percentage of its electorate to participate in elections.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 1,387,628
West Virginia saw only 57.6% of its eligible voters participate in the 2020 election, one of the lowest rates in the country. The state's declining population, combined with economic challenges and a predominantly rural landscape, may have contributed to voter apathy.
Additionally, West Virginia has a high proportion of older residents, who may face difficulties in accessing polling stations or understanding the voting process. Efforts to boost voter turnout in the state include expanding mail-in voting options and increasing voter education initiatives, particularly in more isolated areas where access to voting resources is limited.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 1,050,763
Hawaii had the lowest voter turnout in the 2020 election, with just 57.5% of eligible voters participating. Several factors may have contributed to this low rate, including the state’s unique geographic challenges, which can make accessing polling locations difficult for residents on remote islands.
Additionally, Hawaii’s relatively stable political environment may lead to voter apathy, as many races are seen as non-competitive. Despite the introduction of all-mail voting and automatic voting registration, the state continues to struggle with engaging voters.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 2,214,758
Arkansas saw a voter turnout of only 56.1% in the 2020 election, one of the lowest in the nation. Several factors contribute to this low participation rate, including restrictive voting laws, a lack of competitive races, and challenges in accessing polling locations, particularly in rural areas.
Additionally, Arkansas offers no automatic voter registration, online registration, nor curbside voting for individuals with disabilities. Absentee voting itself is available only condition of disability, illness or other valid excuse, making it more difficult for voters to cast their ballot.
- Eligible Voting Population in 2024 - 2,930,170
Oklahoma had the second-lowest voter turnout in the 2020 election, with only 55% of eligible voters casting ballots. This low participation rate may be attributed to several factors, including a lack of competitive races, restrictive voter ID laws, and limited access to early voting. Additionally, Oklahoma's rural population may face challenges in reaching polling locations, further discouraging voter participation.
The state's low turnout underscores the need for initiatives aimed at increasing voter engagement, such as expanding access to absentee ballots and implementing more robust voter education programs to ensure all eligible citizens can easily participate in the electoral process.
