How Did Your State Do? 2012 State Turnout Rankings

In 2012, 58.7% of voting eligible citizens across the country turned out to vote in the presidential election. Turnout ranged from a high of 76.1% in Minnesota to a low of 44.5% in Hawaii. In total, 130.3 million voters cast ballots in 2012, about 2.3 million less than in 2008.

• Minnesota was first in voter turnout in 2012, while Maine (the 2010 title holder) fell to 6th place. Minnesota has led the country in voter turnout in eight of the last nine midterm and presidential elections.

• Five of the ten states with the highest turnout in 2012 have some form of Election Day Registration which allows voters to register or update their information on Election Day before casting a ballot: Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.

• Five of the ten states with the highest turnout in 2012 were swing states--Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Wisconsin--where parties and interest groups invested extensive time and resources in media and mobilization.

• In contrast, five of the lowest turnout states have more burdensome registration requirements and are considered solidly Democratic or Republican--Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Of those five states, none had a margin of victory in the presidential race of less than 16 points, and Oklahoma had a spread of 34 points.

Where does your state fall in the rankings? 

Download America Goes to the Polls 2012 for more information on turnout and voting trends in the 2012 election.


Source: U.S. Elections Project. The table on the left ranks states by total ballots cast as a percent of eligible voters in the 2012 general election. 2008 turnout rank is in parentheses.

2012 Ballot Measures: Elections

November 6, 2012 was the first presidential election since the Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court in 2010. Consequentially, the 2012 election was more expensive than any other election in our history by more than $700 million.

In an apparent reaction to the ruling, some states voted on limiting or eliminating corporate contributions to elections. Voters in Montana and Colorado approved laws that would prohibit or eliminate corporate contributions and expenditures in both state and national elections. They also sought to charge state lawmakers with asking congressional delegates to overrule Citizens United by amending the U.S. Constitution.

Amendment 2 in Minnesota was an extremely important measure for the future of the state's elections. Amendment 2 would have imposed a strict photo ID requirement at the polls, and although support for the amendment was strong over the summer, it ultimately failed by a few points. This show of support for voters' rights at the polls followed on the heels of Maine voters restoring Election Day Registration in November 2011 after the legislature eliminated it earlier that summer. It seems that given the chance, voters are willing to make changes to election policy and ensure access to the polls.

This post was written by Nonprofit VOTE Intern Lauren Dobbs. Lauren graduated from Boston University with a BA in International Relations in 2011 and will be attending graduate school next fall to obtain an MSc in Development Studies.

Measuring Impact, Learning What Works

This year, Nonprofit VOTE undertook a first-of-its-kind collaboration to assess the capacity of service providers to promote voting and their impact in doing so. Working with seven partners in nine states, we tracked the voter engagement activities of 87 local service providers who each agreed to register or collect voter pledges from 250 or more of their clients. With training from their state partner, local nonprofits tracked the voter contact information of over 40,000 people receiving services--15,110 people registered to vote and another 25,355 clients and staff members filled out pledge to vote cards. Everyone received a follow up mailing and/or call with state-specific voting information. The participating nonprofits represented a diverse pool of organizations, including community action agencies, immigrant serving nonprofits, health centers, affordable housing groups, family and children focused agencies, shelters, and disability programs spread across states like Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina.

Early next year, we will review state voter files to find out if the 40,000 people contacted voted in the November election and if, for example, they were first time voters or were already registered but infrequent voters who didn't vote in the 2010 midterm. We're also conducting in-depth interviews with 26 of the participating nonprofits to hear firsthand how they conducted voter engagement, the capacity challenges they faced, and what did and didn’t work. Together, the metrics and case studies will create a more robust roadmap to allow a far greater number of nonprofit service providers to incorporate voter engagement into their work in future election cycles and to do so with greater effectiveness and impact. Stay tuned.

Election Day Registration is Popular in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, one in eight ballots--almost a million votes in all--came from voters who registered on Election Day just before voting in three recent statewide elections--November 2008, November 2010, and the June 2012 gubernatorial recall.

The popularity of the law in Wisconsin has remained relatively steady in general elections since 1984, ranging from a rate of 6.5% of all voters in 2002 to nearly 20% in 2006, when 1,500 small towns were required for the first time to register voters.

Election Day Registration allows voters to correct or update information before casting a ballot, provides a remedy for voters who find themselves omitted from the rolls, and accommodates those who decide to participate at the last minute. States that employ some form of same-day registration tend to have higher turnout rates than those without it.

Nevertheless, there have been several unsuccessful attempts to repeal Election Day Registration in Wisconsin by those who claim that it burdens election clerks and increases the risk of voter fraud. However, many clerks support the law and investigations have found no significant fraud problems. One city clerk said she sets up a separate area for registration so it doesn't slow others who are ready to vote and noted that "We've learned how to work with the current laws and we've got a pretty streamlined process."

Record Turnout in Massachusetts in 2012

On November 6th Massachusetts voters set a turnout record with 3,184,196 people casting ballots--breaking the previous record set in 2008 of 3,102,995. In total, 73.3% of registered voters made it to the polls.

Congrats to MassVOTE and the countless nonprofits who worked to encourage turnout in their communities this year!

Nonprofit Voters Increase Share of the Electorate

In 2012, your organization and the entire nonprofit sector helped encourage communities across the country to participate and vote. Clearly your efforts to register, educate, and engage voters paid off.

This year, lower-income, younger, and more diverse communities frequently served by nonprofits accounted for a greater share of voter turnout than ever before. While some of this can be attributed to population increases, it was also aided by unprecedented voter education and engagement efforts from the nonprofit and civic sector.

• Young voters (under 30) defied predictions by claiming a higher share of total turnout in 2012 (19%) than in 2008 (18%).
• The Latino share of the electorate continued to rise, increasing to 10% this year.
• Black voters maintained their share of the electorate from 2008, holding at 13%.
• Voters with family income below $50,000 increased their share of the electorate, jumping three points to 41%, despite the fact that the population of that bracket has remained unchanged from 2008.

Read the full report for additional details on the changing electorate, early voting, participation trends, and more. Congratulations again on successfully promoting voting and engaged and active citizenship in 2012!

It's Tuesday November 6th: Election Day!

Election Day is finally here. You already have the information and resources you need to help your community vote. Today is about celebrating the election and reminding and encouraging people to vote. Good luck and Happy Election Day!

Your Election Day Toolbox

Be prepared to assist and encourage voters on Tuesday. Voters are more likely to participate if they believe turnout will be high, and your reminders can convince people to head to the polls.

Advertise polling hours prominently on your website and in your lobby. Find yours with our 50 state map and download a "Vote November 6th" poster.

Use the tools below to equip voters with the information necessary to ensure they successfully cast a ballot.

Google Poll Finder
The 2012 Google Poll Finder tool uses official information from state elections offices and Secretaries of State to provide voters with current voting information. Type in your address to find your polling place and directions. Use the Ballot Summary Menu Bar to view candidates for president, Congress, and the state legislature.

• Embed the tool on your website to raise the profile of the election.
• Share the link with your audience.
• Set up a computer in your lobby to allow voters to check their voting information.

You can also use your state's online poll finder or contact your local elections office.

Check Your Registration
Wondering if and where you're registered to vote?

• 45 states have online registration look up tools.
• Contact your local elections office to confirm your registration.

Avoid potential problems at the polls and double check your registration before Election Day.

National Hotlines
If you aren't near a computer and need voting information, call a national hotline for assistance. They are also a great resource if you have trouble casting your ballot.

• Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683) or visit www.866ourvote.org.
• Call 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682) or visit www.yaeshora.info.

Contact your local elections office for help or with questions.

Voter Guides and Sample Ballots
Nonpartisan voter guides are often provided by your Secretary of State, local chapters of the League of Women Voters, major newspapers, or voter education partners. Samples: Minnesota Votes, North Carolina Voter Guide, and California Easy Voter Guide.

You can see a list of candidates on your ballot using the Google Poll Finder tool. Sample ballots are often available on your state elections website or accessible through online voter information portals. Examples include New Mexico, Miami-Dade County, and Alabama. Paper copies are usually available at your local elections office.

And for more!

• Browse additional 2012 election tools and resources.
• Learn more about ballot measures and voting as an ex-offender or student.
• Make voters aware of their rights at the polls in your state.
• On the go? Get the VoterHub mobile app--a collaboration between AT&T and the Voting Information Project.

On Election Day, don't hesitate to call your local elections office with questions or concerns. Find yours.

Get Ready for Election Day!

Materials from yesterday's webinar, Get Ready for Election Day, are now available. With a week and a half to go until Election Day, there are still many things your nonprofit can do to encourage voters to participate in 2012!

Watch the full webinar on YouTube. If you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified whenever new content is posted. You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation, or browse all of our get-out-the-vote resources.

Talking about the election with your clients and community can boost turnout. Encourage voters to take advantage of early voting opportunities and use ballot measures to talk about the issues at stake. Don't forget to start making plans for celebrating Election Day at your nonprofit!

Webinar Tomorrow: Get Ready for Election Day

There are less than two weeks until November 6th, but there's still plenty your organization can do to educate voters and get-out-the-vote!

Get Ready for Election Day
Thursday October 25th, 2:00-3:00pm Eastern

The final days before Election Day and Election Day itself are crucial to your voter engagement efforts. Find out how your nonprofit can prepare for this final push. Our discussion will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts and how to ensure that eligible voters are able to successfully cast a ballot.

Featured Presenter: Avi Green is Co-Director of MassVOTE and an experienced community organizer. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Ballot Measures: What Nonprofits Can Do

On November 6th voters will decide the fate of 176 ballot measures in 38 states. They cover a range of issues including taxes and revenue, immigrant rights, public services, criminal justice, voter ID requirements, and same-sex marriage.

While nonprofits cannot endorse or oppose candidates for office, they can engage their communities around ballot measures. Remember, ballot measures are laws, not candidates and activity for or against a ballot measure is considered lobbying not electioneering. Therefore, you can:

1. Take a stand on a ballot measure and encourage a "yes" or "no" vote.
2. Provide neutral information on a ballot measure explaining what a "yes" or "no" vote means as a nonpartisan education activity.

Browse our ballot measure resources--like our Nonprofits and Ballot Measures factsheet and training video featuring the Alliance for Justice--to learn more about working on ballot measures.

Check out Bolder Advocacy's Ballot Measure Toolkit for nonprofits and foundations and see a complete list of 2012 ballot questions provided by Ballotpedia.

Voters need a reason to go to the polls, and you can give them one by talking about the ballot measures under consideration. Encourage voters to turnout by reminding them that they can have a direct impact on these issues simply by voting. Find out what's on your ballot by contacting your local elections office for a sample ballot.

Need other ideas? Download 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.

Promote Early Voting Now!

Don't wait until November 6th, vote early! The election is underway and your organization can encourage voters to participate now by voting early. Early voting is available in many states, but dates and requirements vary. Voting early in-person or by mail gives voters increased flexibility and the chance to address any problems that may arise at the polls ahead of Election Day.  Nationwide, early voting has become increasingly popular: In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number could top 40%. Avoid potential lines on November 6th and encourage your community to give the convenience of voting early a try!

Promote Early Voting by:

1. Arranging to transport groups of voters to early voting sites.
2. Distributing absentee ballot request forms.
3. Providing details in your online and in-person communications.
4. Communicating with staff in meetings and all-staff emails.
5. Discussing it during classes, trainings, and events.

Early Voting Tools:

1. Use our 50 state map to contact your local elections office for deadlines and details on how to vote early.
2. Check your state's early voting rules, compiled by Long Distance Voter.
3. Request an absentee ballot using the U.S. Vote Foundation's state-specific tool.

Encourage your community to get a head start on Election Day by voting early!

Upcoming Webinar: Get Ready for Election Day

November 6th is almost here, but there's still plenty your organization can do before then!

Get Ready for Election Day
Thursday October 25th, 2:00-3:00pm Eastern

The final days before Election Day and Election Day itself are crucial to your voter engagement efforts. Find out how your nonprofit can prepare for this final push. Our discussion will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts and how to ensure that eligible voters are able to successfully cast a ballot.

Featured Presenter: Avi Green is Co-Director of MassVOTE and an experienced community organizer. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

"Nonprofits Get Out the Vote!" Event Recap

Materials from last week's web event, Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day, are now available. Hundreds of nonprofits from across the county participated, demonstrating the growing momentum and support within the sector for nonpartisan voter engagement

Couldn't tune in? Watch the event on YouTube. If you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified whenever new content is posted. You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation, or browse all of our get-out-the-vote resources.

Now that your organization is on board and excited about nonprofit voter engagement, register for our final webinar before November 6th, and Get Ready for Election Day.

"Vote November 6" Kits Still Available

There's still time to order a "Vote November 6" kit--but not much!

Kits will only be available for another week or two, so order yours today and ensure you have materials to help engage voters in your community around the upcoming election. The kit includes a poster, stickers, button, and a list of suggested activities for nonprofits. Browse all of our get-out-the-vote materials.

Spark conversations at your organization by downloading and hanging a poster from our 2012 poster gallery. Need additional materials? They're available for purchase in bulk.

Research shows that when nonprofits talk to their clients about voting, they are not only more likely to vote but are also more likely to talk to their friends and family about voting. So what are you waiting for? Order a kit today and get-out-the-vote in your community!

The 2012 Election is Underway!

With early voting underway in 35 states, the 2012 presidential election is officially underway! While the current majority of early voting is taking place via absentee ballot, seven states already have in-person polling stations up and running.

With just weeks to go before November 6th, it's critical that nonprofits keep this election in the spotlight. Use your communications to share election information, deadlines, and reminders.

In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number could top 40%. Learn about early voting options--both in-person and by mail--in your state. Request your absentee ballot.

Although balloting is underway, voters can still register to vote in most states. Check your state's registration deadline and make sure your community is registered and ready to vote on (or before) November 6th!

Homeless Does Not Mean Voteless

Image Source: AIGA GOTV Gallery
Designer: Anthony Anaya

It's National Homeless and Low-Income Voter Registration Week, an event sponsored by the The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) during each presidential election since 1992. 

NCH is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission: To prevent and end homelessness while ensuring individuals' immediate needs are met and their civil rights protected.

To complement their registration efforts in 2012, NCH has updated their voter registration manual, You Don't Need a Home to Vote, to help clarify rules around ballot access for individuals currently experiencing homelessness.

Housing status does not dictate registration status. Make sure members of your community currently experiencing homelessness know their rights and are registered ahead of your state deadline!

Special Web Event: Nonprofits Get Out the Vote!

Be prepared (and get excited!) about Election Day by joining Nonprofit VOTE for a special web event:

Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day
Thursday, October 11th at 2:00pm Eastern
The final weeks leading up to an election are critical for voters, and during that time the potential to impact turnout is enormous.

Learn more during this exciting event featuring:

• National nonprofit leaders highlighting the sector's pivotal role, 
• Nonprofit-specific strategies for the final stages of an effective nonpartisan voter engagement campaign,
• Examples from local nonprofits on how to successfully incorporate voter engagement into programs and services, and
• Tips and tools tailored to the final weeks before Election Day and Election Day itself.

Guest presenters include:

• Michael Weekes, President and CEO, Providers' Council of Massachusetts and Board Chair, Nonprofit VOTE
• Daniel Hawkins, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Research, National Association of Community Health Centers
• Maria Theresa Kumar, CEO/President, Voto Latino
• Lauren Forbes, Associate, Election Initiatives, Pew Center on the States
• Local nonprofit leaders

Register now for Nonprofits Get Out The Vote! Countdown to Election Day and join nonprofits across the country as we lift our voices and mobilize our communities to vote on November 6th!

What Comes After National Voter Registration Day?

Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day--the highlight of National Voter Registration Month--but that's not the end of the story.

National Voter Registration Day is part of a larger movement within the nonprofit sector, recognizing the many benefits of voting. Registered voters are six times more likely to contact or visit a public official and three times more likely to participate in a school group or neighborhood or community association. Additionally, voting is linked to higher levels of self-reported health and lower recidivism rates for ex-offenders.

If you didn't register yesterday, there's still time--how much depends on your state. Check your state deadline. Once you've registered or updated your registration, encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same.

Remember that registering is only a first step and there's still a ballot to cast. Luckily you might not have to wait until November 6th! In 2008 about 33% of votes were cast before Election Day and in 2012 that number is expected to top 40%. Learn about early voting options--both in-person and by mail--in your state.

Once you're registered and ready to vote, there's still plenty you can do to encourage others. Research shows that when nonprofits talk to their clients about voting, they are not only more likely to vote but are also more likely to talk to their friends and family about voting. Building on this in 2012, Nonprofit VOTE is encouraging nonprofits to visibly support voting and order a "Vote November 6" kit which includes a poster, button, stickers, and a list of sample activities for nonprofits. We're also hosting a special web event on October 11th--Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day--which will focus on get-out-the-vote strategies and include a discussion with sector leaders.

Increasing voter participation nationwide isn't a one-time effort. It requires a sustained culture shift that emphasizes participation. Nonprofit VOTE is here to help nonprofits across the country do just that, both now and after the election. For additional ideas, browse our list of 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.

Now go register to vote, update your registration, or double check your registration status!

Four Ways to Promote Voting Now!

Election Day is just weeks away and your voter engagement efforts can have an enormous impact on turnout. Voter registration deadlines are fast approaching but early voting will be underway in many states before they've even passed. In 2008 about 33% of ballots were cast before Election Day--either by mail or in person. This year as many as 40% of ballots are expected to be cast before November 6th. The effort to turn out voters has already begun and your organization can help. Use the ideas below to engage your community and ensure everyone participates on November 6th!

1. Participate in National Voter Registration Day on September 25th and join thousands of nonprofits across the country as we register our communities to vote. It can be as simple as registering your staff or publicizing the voter registration deadline.
2. Support voting and order a free "Vote November 6" kit--it includes a poster, button, stickers, and a list of sample activities for nonprofits. Use the materials to spark conversations about the election and increase turnout.
3. Educate voters on their early voting options. Help voters request an absentee ballot or find an early voting location. Get more information about absentee and early voting in your state.
4. Register for our October 11th web event--Nonprofits Get Out the Vote! Countdown to Election Day--for nonprofit-specific get-out-the-vote strategies and a discussion with sector leaders.

For additional ideas, browse our list of 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.