Voter Turnout in Minnesota

The percentage of voter turnout used on this site is calculated by dividing the Number of Ballots Cast by the total Number of Eligible Voters in the state.

Number of Ballots Cast

As race results come in on election night, the total number of ballots cast in the election is estimated using the Gubernatorial race as a “key race.”

During the days following the election, counties report precinct statistics that include the exact number of ballots cast in each precinct. As precinct statistics are reported, the estimated number of ballots cast is replaced by actual precinct statistics.

During the week 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

Minnesota uses the number of the Voting Eligible Population (VEP) as the denominator when calculating the percentage of voters who voted. The VEP is the number of individuals 18 years of age or older (the 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 2018, Minnesota’s current estimated Voting Eligible Population is 4,064,389.*

* Michael P. McDonald, “2018 November General Election Turnout Rates,” United States Elections Project, Web, September 2018.