America Goes to the Polls 2014

Posted by Nonprofit VOTE on April 27, 2015

Nonprofit VOTE Report Makes Headlines

Since Nonprofit VOTE released America Goes to the Polls 2014 last month, numerous news articles and editorials have covered a range of the report’s findings.

On a national level, much attention has been given to the fact that 2014 turnout (36.6%) was the lowest it has been since World War II (USA Today). But because turnout varied widely across states by as much as 30 percentage points, storylines differ from state to state.

“The study is a game changer,” said New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak, who introduced legislation to permit Election Day Registration following the report’s release.

Maine touted its place at the top, while Colorado was eager to climb the ranks. Maine once again led the nation in midterm turnout with 58.5% and Colorado was in third at 54.5% (up from 10th place in 2010).

Observers in Oregon seemed to begrudge that it was “still in 5th place”, the same spot as the 2010 midterm. However, with automatic voter registration election officials are hoping to climb the rankings in the future.

New York put a positive spin on things by noting “We’re No. 49!” (not last!) before pointing out that 49th place wasn’t a cause for celebration.

“Indiana struggles to get people to the polls” and was “dead last in the nation for voter turnout” with just over 28% of eligible voters casting a ballot. In fact, the last time Indiana was in the top 25 for voter turnout nationwide was in 1982.

Check out all the coverage of America Goes to the Polls 2014 and download the full report for additional information on 2014 turnout and historic trends.

http://www.nonprofitvote.org/america-goes-to-the-polls-2014/