Voter Turnout Lower Than 1992

By Justin C. Oppmann/AllPolitics

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Nov. 6, 1996) -- While experts predicted that voter apathy would lead to low turnout, many were surprised to discover that 1996 proved to be the lowest voter percentage in history.

Experts predict that Election 1996 turnout will be around 49 percent of the registered electorate, lower than the 1992 results of 55 percent, a 20-year high.

In the 1940s, '50s and '60s, voter turnout hovered around the high 50-percent to low 60-percent marks. Since 55.4 percent results in 1972, voter turnout declined until 1992.

Due to the so-called "motor voter" law, which allows many citizens to register to vote when they renew their driver's licenses, voter registration has climbed. While the percentages may have dropped, it is possible that more people are actually voting.

In some districts, voters endured long waits and coped with large crowds in order to cast their ballots. In parts of North Carolina, voters waited for more than an hour before being able to vote.

Experts blame negative campaigning as well as voter apathy for poor turnout. "I think this year will be remembered as a return to a period of declining turnout," said Curtis Gans of the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate. "Sadly, we are giving voters motivation to sit out."

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