Unofficial Results Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Voter Turnout in Minnesota
Voter turnout percentage is calculated by dividing the
number of ballots cast
(number of voters voting) by the total
number of eligible voters
in the state. On this site, voter turnout as a percentage is used only for state general elections.
Number of Ballots Cast
State Primary For the state primary, the number of voters casting ballots is displayed as precinct statistics. Race results are entered on this site before precinct statistics are entered. Vote totals may appear to exceed number voting until all statistics are reported.
State General Election As race results come in on general election night, the total number of ballots cast in each precinct is estimated using the presidential race as a “key race.”
During the days following the election, counties report the actual number of ballots cast in each precinct. As precinct statistics are entered, the estimated number of ballots cast is replaced by the actual number of voters casting ballots.
Following the election, election results and statistics are made official at a meeting of the county canvassing board. Until the election is canvassed, the number of ballots cast in each precinct remains unofficial.
Number of Eligible Voters
To report turnout as a percentage, Minnesota uses the number of the voters who cast ballots as the numerator and the voting eligible population (VEP) as the denominator. The VEP is the number of individuals 18 years of age or older (voting age population) minus the estimated number of individuals who are not eligible to vote (such as non-citizens or individuals who do not have voting rights under law).
In 2010, Minnesota’s estimated Voting Eligible Population was 3,741,514.*
* VEP data provided by Michael McDonald, George Mason University
Number of Ballots Cast
State Primary For the state primary, the number of voters casting ballots is displayed as precinct statistics. Race results are entered on this site before precinct statistics are entered. Vote totals may appear to exceed number voting until all statistics are reported.
State General Election As race results come in on general election night, the total number of ballots cast in each precinct is estimated using the presidential race as a “key race.”
During the days following the election, counties report the actual number of ballots cast in each precinct. As precinct statistics are entered, the estimated number of ballots cast is replaced by the actual number of voters casting ballots.
Following the election, election results and statistics are made official at a meeting of the county canvassing board. Until the election is canvassed, the number of ballots cast in each precinct remains unofficial.
Number of Eligible Voters
To report turnout as a percentage, Minnesota uses the number of the voters who cast ballots as the numerator and the voting eligible population (VEP) as the denominator. The VEP is the number of individuals 18 years of age or older (voting age population) minus the estimated number of individuals who are not eligible to vote (such as non-citizens or individuals who do not have voting rights under law).
In 2010, Minnesota’s estimated Voting Eligible Population was 3,741,514.*
* VEP data provided by Michael McDonald, George Mason University