Nov
5
2:00 PM
Actual election turnout far lower than reported
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Election turnout is often cited as an indicator of the strength of the mandate of winning candidates, but it can be a misleading statistic: Turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters rather than of those eligible to vote — and census numbers show that more than 70 million U.S. citizens of voting age are not registered voters.
Al Jazeera kept a close watch on voter turnout Tuesday, mindful of the possible impact of new voter ID laws in more than 30 states that critics feared would discourage or prevent voting by poorer Americans.
Turnout proved to be lower than previous years in all but 10 states, but the reasons for that decline are many: Some states lacked competitive races to draw voters to the polls; others cut polling hours or reduced early voting periods. And, in some states, new voter ID laws could have kept some voters away. Public opinion polls such as the one released by Gallup earlier this week suggested that fewer Americans cared about this election than in previous years.
But the data also proved more complicated than we anticipated. Election turnout is often cited as an indicator of the strength of the mandate of winning candidates, but it can be a misleading statistic: Turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters, rather than of those eligible to vote – and U.S. census numbers show that more than 70 million U.S. citizens of voting age are not currently registered voters.
Turnout in midterm elections measured by participation of registered voters has has fallen since 1840, according to the Pew Research Center. Voter turnout in 2010 rose slightly, but 2014 turnout is a return to the declining trend.
Voter turnout decreased in 2014
Note: 2014 election results are not yet finalized, so numbers could rise as precincts continue to report.
Sources: Turnout data from the United States Elections Project. 2014 turnout is calculated by using the votes cast for highest office in any given election. Votes cast number from AP.
Sources: Turnout data from the United States Elections Project. 2014 turnout is calculated by using the votes cast for highest office in any given election. Votes cast number from AP.
Below are the changes in voter turnout, sorted in two ways. You can look at all 50 states and see the change in turnout from 2010 to 2014, and click a state for turnout in other elections. In the other tab, we’ve categorized states with voter ID laws.
About the chart
A more accurate picture of the proportion of the population involved in choosing America’s elected representatives is shown in the chart below, measuring voting against the voting eligible population (VEP) rather than simply against those already on the voting rolls. It uses data maintained at United States Election Project by Michael McDonald, an associate professor at the University of Florida and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. The VEP does not include people who are ineligible to vote, such as non-citizens and felons.
Data using measuring the turnout rate against the VEP also allows a more accurate assessment of the impact of new ID laws and other voting restrictions that potentially limit voter registration.
Information about the laws comes from the National Conference of State Legislatures’ roundup of voter ID laws. NCSL categorizes states with these laws in two ways: whether the state asks for photo ID and accepts forms of identification that do not include a photo; and what options the state makes available for voters unable to show a photo ID. NCSL has divided those options into strict and non-strict groups:
Non-strict: At least some voters without acceptable identification have an option to cast a ballot that will be counted without further action on the part of the voter.
Strict: Voters without acceptable identification must vote on a provisional ballot and also take additional steps after Election Day for their vote to be counted.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story labeled the differences in voter turnout as "change." To clarify, the numbers show the percentage point differences in turnout from 2010 to 2014, not percentage changes.
Voter Turnout in States
State
2010
2014
Diff
- +
AlabamaAla.
43.0%
32.7%
-10.3 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: State driver's license or ID card; valid ID card from another state or the federal government with a photo; U.S. passport; government employee ID with a photo; student or employee ID card with a photo; U.S. military ID with a photo; tribal ID card with a photo.
Voters without ID can vote on a provisional ballot or regular ballot in they are identified by two election officials as a voter on the poll list and the election officials sign a sworn affidavit so stating. If the voter uses a provisional ballot, they have until 5 p.m. on the Friday after the election to bring ID to the county registar.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Alabama
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Alabama
National
- +
AlaskaAlaska
51.9%
42.7%
-9.2 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Voter registration card; driver's license; birth certificate; U.S. passport; hunting or fishing license; current utility bil,; blank statement, paycheck; government check or other government document with name and address.
An election official can waive the identity requirement if they know the voter. A voter without ID can fill out a questioned ballot.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Alaska
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Alaska
National
- +
ArizonaAriz.
41.0%
26.4%
-14.6 pts (96.9%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license or ID card; tribal enrollment card or ID; federal, state or local government issued ID; utility bill dated with 90 days of the election; bank or credit union statment dated within 90 days of election; Arizona vehicle registration or insurance card; Indian Census card; property tax statement; recorder's certificate.
A voter without ID can fill out a provisional ballot, which will be counted only if the voter brings one of the acceptable IDs to the county recorder by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day after a general election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Arizona
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Arizona
National
- +
ArkansasArk.
37.5%
39.8%
2.3 pts (99%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Under previous law, there are no specified forms of ID.
Election workers are required to ask for ID, but voters can cast ballots without it.
The Arkansas Supreme Court struck down the state's strict voter ID law. A pre-existing, non-strict, non-photo ID law is in effect for the 2014 General Election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Arkansas
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Arkansas
National
- +
CaliforniaCalif.
44.0%
21.4%
-22.6 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
California
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
California
National
- +
ColoradoColo.
50.6%
51.6%
1.0 pts (95.8%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; Colorado Dept. of Revenue ID card; U.S. passport; government-issued employee photo ID; military ID; copy of current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or some other government document with name and address;military ID, pilots license, Medicare or Medicaid card; certified copy of birth certificate; certified document of naturalization
Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot and the designated election official is responsible for verifying the ID of the voter. Once ID is verified, the provisional ballot can be counted.
Colorado overhauled its voting process two years ago, and most votes will likely be cast via mail-in ballots.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Colorado
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Colorado
National
- +
ConnecticutConn.
45.9%
41.7%
-4.2 pts (91.4%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Social security card; any other preprinted form of identification which shows the voter's name and either their address, signature or photo.
Voter must fill out a form with their address, date of birth and signature that they are the person on the official voting roll.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Connecticut
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Connecticut
National
- +
DelawareDel.
47.5%
34.4%
-13.1 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Photo ID; utility bill; paycheck; any government document with voter's name and address.
Voters without ID must sign an affidavit of affirmation that they are the person on the election district record.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Delaware
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Delaware
National
- +
District of ColumbiaD.C.
28.9%
25.9%
-3.0 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
District of Columbia
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
District of Columbia
National
- +
FloridaFla.
41.7%
42.6%
0.9 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license or ID card; U.S. passport; debit or credit card; military ID; student ID; retirement center ID; neighborhood association ID; public assistance identification.
For those without ID, Florida verifies provisional ballots by comparing signatures on the envelopes to those in the voter registration records. If there is a match, the provisional ballot is counted.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Florida
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Florida
National
- +
GeorgiaGa.
39.8%
38.0%
-1.8 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license (expired OK); ID card; free voter ID card issued by state or county; U.S. passport; government or state-issued employee ID; military ID; tribal photo ID.
Voters without ID must fill out a provisional ballot. The ballot will counted only if the voter brings photo identification to the county registrar's office within three days of the election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Georgia
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Georgia
National
- +
HawaiiHawaii
39.9%
34.9%
-5.0 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: None specified by law. Poll workers request photo ID with signature.
Voters without ID must recite their date of birth and address to corroborate the information on the voter roll.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Hawaii
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Hawaii
National
- +
IdahoIdaho
42.3%
36.5%
-5.8 pts (96.5%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Idaho driver's license or ID; U.S. passport; any government-issued photo ID; tribal photo ID; student photo ID, issued by an Idaho high school or higher education institution.
Voters without ID must fill out a affidavit with their name and address.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Idaho
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Idaho
National
- +
IllinoisIll.
42.4%
38.8%
-3.6 pts (99.5%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Illinois
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Illinois
National
- +
IndianaInd.
37.1%
27.7%
-9.4 pts (99.9%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Indiana law does not list specific forms of ID, but it must contain: the name of the individual which matches the registration record; a photo; expiration date (if expired, must have an expiration date after the most recent generate election); must be issued by the United States or the state of Indiana.
Voters without ID can fill out a provisional ballot. The vallot is counted only if the voter returns to the election board by noon on the Monday after the election and produces proof of identification or signs an affidavit that they cannot provide ID because they are indigent or have a religious objection to being photographed. The voter must also not have been challenged or required to use a provisional ballot for any other reason.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Indiana
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Indiana
National
- +
IowaIowa
49.9%
49.4%
-0.5 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Iowa
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Iowa
National
- +
KansasKan.
41.7%
41.3%
-0.4 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license or state ID card; government-issued concealed carry handgun or weapon license; U.S. passport; government-issued employee ID; military ID; student ID from accredited postsecondary institution in Kansas; government-issued public assistance ID card; ID must include name and photo of voter and not be expired. Expired documents are allowed for voters 65 and older.
Voters without ID can fill out a provisional ballot. For the ballot to be counted, the voter must provide a valid ID in person or via mail before the meeting of the county board of canvassers.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Kansas
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Kansas
National
- +
KentuckyKy.
42.4%
44.0%
1.6 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; Social Security card; credit card.
Voters who are questioned about their qualifications must sign a written oath before being allowed to vote.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Kentucky
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Kentucky
National
- +
LouisianaLa.
38.9%
44.4%
5.5 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Louisiana driver's license or ID card; other generally recognized picture identification
Voters without ID must sign an affidavit and provide other information included in the voter roll, such as date of birth. A voter who does not provide photo identifcation is subject to further challenges.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Louisiana
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Louisiana
National
- +
MaineMaine
55.2%
56.9%
1.7 pts (96%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Maine
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Maine
National
- +
MarylandMd.
46.4%
41.1%
-5.3 pts (99.7%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Maryland
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Maryland
National
- +
MassachusettsMass.
48.9%
43.9%
-5.0 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Massachusetts
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Massachusetts
National
- +
MichiganMich.
44.5%
42.5%
-2.0 pts (99.9%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Michigan driver's license or ID; driver's license or ID from another state; federal or government-issued photo ID, U.S. passport; military ID with photo; student ID with photo; tribal ID with photo.
Voters without photo ID must sign an affidavit but can cast a regular ballot.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Michigan
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Michigan
National
- +
MinnesotaMinn.
55.4%
50.2%
-5.2 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Minnesota
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Minnesota
National
- +
MississippiMiss.
37.0%
28.0%
-9.0 pts (97%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; photo ID issued by a branch, department or entity of Mississippi; U.S. passport; government employee ID; firearms license; student photo ID from an accredited Mississippi institution; military ID; tribal photo ID; any other government issued photo ID; Mississippi voter identification card.
Voters without ID can can cast an affidavit ballot. The ballot will be counted if the voter shows government-issued ID at their local circuit clerk's office within five days after the election. Voters with a religious objection to being photographed must return to the circuit clerk and execute an affidavit that the religious exemption applies.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Mississippi
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Mississippi
National
- +
MissouriMo.
44.5%
31.7%
-12.8 pts (99.9%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Local, state or government-issued ID; school ID from a Missouri institution of higher education; copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document with name and address; driver's license or state ID from another state.
Voters without ID may cast a ballot if two supervising election judges, one from each major political party, attest they know the voter.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Missouri
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Missouri
National
- +
MontanaMont.
47.5%
46.0%
-1.5 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; school district or postsecondary education photo ID; tribal photo ID; current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, notice of confirmation of voter registration, government check or other document with name and address of voter.
Montana uses signatures to verify provisional ballots. A voter without ID may sign the precinct register and cast a provisional ballot. If the signature on the ballot matches the signature on the voter registration record, the ballot is counted.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Montana
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Montana
National
- +
NebraskaNeb.
37.5%
39.4%
1.9 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Nebraska
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Nebraska
National
- +
NevadaNev.
41.3%
29.0%
-12.3 pts (95.5%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Nevada
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Nevada
National
- +
New HampshireN.H.
45.7%
47.4%
1.7 pts (99%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license from any state (can be expired); New Hampshire photo ID; voter ID card; armed services photo ID card; U.S. passport (can be expired); student ID card; federal, state, county or municipal government-issued photo ID; any other photo ID determined by poll workers, the moderator, town or city clerk; verification of voter's identity by moderator or supervisor.
Voters without ID may be verified by a moderator, supervisor or clerk or execute a qualified voter affidavit and cast a regular ballot. The Secretary of State will contact and ask for written confirmation from each voter who executed a qualified voter affidavit to check for voter fraud by January 10 or within 90 days after any other election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
New Hampshire
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
New Hampshire
National
- +
New JerseyN.J.
36.4%
28.7%
-7.7 pts (95.5%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
New Jersey
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
New Jersey
National
- +
New MexicoN.M.
42.8%
35.2%
-7.6 pts (98.5%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
New Mexico
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
New Mexico
National
- +
New YorkN.Y.
35.5%
26.2%
-9.3 pts (99.5%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
New York
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
New York
National
- +
North CarolinaN.C.
39.2%
40.5%
1.3 pts (100%)
Voter laws
No voter ID law is in effect for 2014.
North Carolina enacted a strict photo voter ID law in 2013, which will be in effect in 2016.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
North Carolina
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
North Carolina
National
- +
North DakotaN.D.
46.2%
43.6%
-2.6 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; state or federal agency ID card; U.S. passport; student ID from a North Dakota school; long-term care ID certificate from a North Dakota facility.
Voters without ID cannot vote.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
North Dakota
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
North Dakota
National
- +
OhioOhio
44.9%
32.2%
-12.7 pts (93.8%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: U.S. or Ohio photo ID with the individual's name and address; utility bill; bank statement; government check, paycheck or government document.
Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot after providing the last four digits of their social security number. Voters without an ID or a Social Security number can cast a provisional ballot if they sign an affidavit or provide ID within 10 days following the election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Ohio
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Ohio
National
- +
OklahomaOkla.
38.8%
29.6%
-9.2 pts (100%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Any unexpired document issued by the U.S., Oklahoma or a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation that shows a photo and a name that substantially conforms to the name in the registry; voter registration card by the county elections board.
Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot. They must sign an affidavit with their name, address, date of birth and driver's license number or last four digits of their Social Security number. If the information provided matches the registration database, the ballot is counted.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Oklahoma
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Oklahoma
National
- +
OregonOre.
52.6%
45.8%
-6.8 pts (95.4%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Oregon
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Oregon
National
- +
PennsylvaniaPa.
41.7%
35.7%
-6.0 pts (99.4%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
A voter ID law, enacted in 2012 but never implemented, was struck down by a state court in January 2014. Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett announced on May 8, 2014 that he would not appeal the decision.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Pennsylvania
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Pennsylvania
National
- +
Rhode IslandR.I.
44.8%
38.5%
-6.3 pts (99.8%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Rhode Island driver's license or voter ID card; U.S. passport; student, military, federal or Rhode Island photo ID card; government-issued medical card with photo.
Rhode Island uses signatures to verify provisional ballots. A voter without ID may cast a provisional ballot. If the signature on the ballot matches the signature on the voter registration record, the ballot is counted.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Rhode Island
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Rhode Island
National
- +
South CarolinaS.C.
39.7%
34.2%
-5.5 pts (99.1%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: South Carolina driver's license; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles photo ID; U.S. passport or military ID with photo; South Carolina voter registration card with a photo.
Voters without a photo ID can show a non-photo registration card if they sign an affidavit stating why they could not obtain a photo ID or provide a photo ID prior to the certification of the election and cast a provisional ballot.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
South Carolina
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
South Carolina
National
- +
South DakotaS.D.
52.9%
44.5%
-8.4 pts (96.1%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: South Dakota driver's license or ID card; U.S. passport; photo ID from a U.S. government agency; tribal ID with a photo; student ID with a photo from an accredited South Dakota school.
Voters without ID can vote if they sign an affidavit with their name and address under the penalty of perjury.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
South Dakota
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
South Dakota
National
- +
TennesseeTenn.
34.6%
28.5%
-6.1 pts (99.5%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Tennessee driver's license; photo ID from any state or the Tennessee Department of Safety; U.S. passport or military ID with photo.
Voters without ID can vote by provisional ballot if the voter provides identification by the end of the second business day after the election or signs an affidavit stating that he or she is indigent and cannot obtain ID without payment of a fee or has a religious objection to being photographed.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Tennessee
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Tennessee
National
- +
TexasTexas
32.1%
27.6%
-4.5 pts (98.8%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; election identification certificate; Department of Public Safety personal ID card; U.S. military ID, citizenship certificate or passport; concealed handgun license issued by the Department of Public Safety
Voters without ID can vote with a provisional ballot. The voter must present identification by the sixth day after the election or sign an affidavit under the penalty of perjury stating that the voter has either a religious objection to being photographed or that the voter does not have identification because of a natural disaster which occurred within 45 days prior.
On October 18, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas to enforce its voter ID law for the 2014 midterm elections. It was first enacted in 2011, but was struck down on October 9, 2014 by a federal court in Texas, which ruled that it discriminated against minority voters.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Texas
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Texas
National
- +
United StatesU.S.
40.9%
33.9%
-7.0 pts
Voter laws
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
United States
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
United States
National
- +
UtahUtah
36.3%
26.0%
-10.3 pts (98.5%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Utah driver's license; state or federal ID card; Utah concealed weapon permit; U.S. passport; U.S. military ID; Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal treaty or tribal ID card; two forms of other ID with the voter's name and evidence that he or she lives in a certain precinct
Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot. A county clerk can also verify the identity and residence of a voter "through some other means."
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Utah
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Utah
National
- +
VermontVt.
49.4%
38.9%
-10.5 pts (99.6%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Vermont
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Vermont
National
- +
VirginiaVa.
38.7%
36.4%
-2.3 pts (99.9%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Virginia voter registration card; U.S. passport; Virginia driver's license; any Commonwealth or U.S. governent agency ID; concealed handgun permit; valid student ID from a Virginia school; employee ID card.
Voters without ID can vote with a provisional ballot if they submit their ballot along with a copy of an acceptable ID by noon on the third day after the election.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Virginia
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Virginia
National
- +
WashingtonWash.
53.1%
28.0%
-25.1 pts (50.1%)
Voter laws
Acceptable IDs: Driver's license; state, student, tribal or employer ID card.
Most voters vote by mail. For those who vote in person and do not have identification, they can vote via a provisional ballot if the signature on their ballot matches the signature on their registration record.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Washington
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Washington
National
- +
West VirginiaW.Va.
36.8%
31.1%
-5.7 pts (99.6%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
West Virginia
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
West Virginia
National
- +
WisconsinWis.
52.0%
56.5%
4.5 pts (99.7%)
Voter laws
No voter ID law is in effect for 2014.
Wisconsin enacted a photo voter ID law in 2011, but on October 9, 2014, the Supreme Court blocked it from being implemented for the 2014 midterm elections, saying that there was not enough time before the elections to implement.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Wisconsin
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Wisconsin
National
- +
WyomingWyo.
45.5%
38.0%
-7.5 pts (100%)
Voter laws
There is no voter ID law in this state.
Midterm Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2002
No Data
No Data
2006
No Data
No Data
2010
No Data
No Data
2014
No Data
No Data
Wyoming
National
Presidential Turnout
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2004
No Data
No Data
2008
No Data
No Data
2012
No Data
No Data
Wyoming
National
State:
Natl.:
Natl.:
Note: In the table above, the percentage of precincts reporting appears next to the percent change.
Sources: Turnout data from the United States Elections Project. Information about voter ID laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Sources: Turnout data from the United States Elections Project. Information about voter ID laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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