Question

if you wanted to prove the united states is suffering from low voter turnout, a calculation based on which population would yield the lowest voter turnout rate?

registered voters

voting-eligible population

voting-age population

voters who voted in the last election

Answer 1

To prove that the United States is suffering from low voter turnout, using the **voting-eligible population** as the basis for your calculation would yield the lowest voter turnout rate.

Here's why:

1. **Registered Voters**: This group includes only those who have registered to vote, so the turnout calculation based on registered voters would generally show a higher turnout percentage, as it reflects only those who have taken the step to register.

2. **Voting-Age Population**: This includes all individuals who are of legal voting age, but it does not account for those who may not be eligible to vote (e.g., non-citizens, felons in some states). While it provides a broader base, it doesn’t specifically measure eligible voters.

3. **Voters Who Voted in the Last Election**: This group specifically tracks those who actually cast a vote, which naturally leads to a higher turnout rate, as it is only those who participated.

4. **Voting-Eligible Population**: This group includes all individuals who are eligible to vote (i.e., citizens of the required age who meet any other legal requirements). Calculating turnout based on this group includes those who are eligible but may not have registered or chosen to vote, providing the broadest and typically the lowest turnout percentage.

Thus, for demonstrating low voter turnout, using the **voting-eligible population** would be the most effective choice.