Quality of Life Indicators

percentage of eligible population that registers & votes -- updated 11/10

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The percentage of eligible citizens registered and casting votes indicates citizens invested in our community and see the value in working to make it even better. In 2004, voters turned out in record numbers in many states demonstrating a renewed interest in politics, policy, and future direction. In 2006, voter turnout was not as high, which is typical in a non-presidential election year. Whatever people felt about the outcome of the January 2008 caucus, the interest, passion and commitment were undeniable and voter registration increased. Early voting in the general election accounted for over 68% of the turnout. Unfortunately, 25% of registered voters didn’t vote, only half those eligible actually register, and less than half those eligible turnout.

Voter registration increased in 2009, but decreased again for the June 8, 2010 primary election, not unusual for a non-presidential election year. And although the turnout of active voters improved from 20.13% in the 2008 primary to 33.69% in the 2010 primary, the fact remains that only 23% of the eligible population voted in the June primary. It doesn’t take a large number of votes to make it through a primary election. Although almost 45% of the eligible population voted in the 2010 general election, the fact remains that less than half the population eligible to vote, actually votes. A record, almost 49% early turnout (59% including absentee turnout) trumped the 41% election day turnout. As electoral politics is increasingly becoming a greater proportion of the economy, i will be interesting to see if the grassroots dedication and interest remain in future general elections, especially the 2012 presidential election.

barriers to voting

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TMT created the Voter Turnout Quality of Life Compact in 2004 with the New Voters Project, Nevada Museum of Art, Washoe County Registrar of Voters, and the Washoe County Library System to support early voting and access to voting. The collaboration was so successful it was extended for the 2006 elections. A total of 17,161 citizens took advantage of early voting at Washoe County Library locations during the 2006 general election. This was the highest total for any early voting location in Washoe County (41% of the 41,906 early turnout). Early voting was offered at nine libraries for both the primary and general elections. In addition, Meet the Candidates events were held at three libraries: Sparks, South Valleys, and Northwest Reno. Washoe County received a national public participation Savvy Award for their 2004 Election Campaign; visit “collaborate for quality of life. Voter Turnout Compact

In TMT’s December 2007 community survey, conducted by MarkeTec, 81.6% of respondents reported voting in the last election, which is a higher rate than reported above.