The Return of the Voter: Voter Turnout in the 2008 Presidential Election

Abstract

The presidential turnout rate for those eligible to vote was 61.6% in 2008, which marks the third consecutive increase in presidential turnout rates since the modern low point of 51.7% in 1996. Turnout is no longer declining – if it ever was – and has reverted to the 'high' levels experienced during the 1950s and 1960s. This challenges many theories posited to explain turnout declines. I explore election trends among the states in hopes to provide clues as to why civic engagement has been restored.

Recommended Citation

McDonald, Michael P. (2008) "The Return of the Voter: Voter Turnout in the 2008 Presidential Election," The Forum: Vol. 6 : Iss. 4, Article 4.
DOI: 10.2202/1540-8884.1278
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol6/iss4/art4