How is voting age population turnout calculated?

Voting age population turnout is calculated by dividing the number of citizens who are 18 years and older by the total number of people who voted in a given election. This method reflects the participation rate of those who are legally eligible to vote within the voting age population.

By focusing on citizens aged 18 and above, this calculation differentiates between those who are simply of voting age and those who actually exercised their right to vote during the election. This analysis allows researchers and policymakers to gauge the overall engagement of young and eligible voters in the electoral process, providing insight into civic participation and the effectiveness of mobilization strategies aimed at increasing turnout.

Understanding this formula is crucial as it highlights the importance of not just the demographic size of the voting-age population but also their actual participation in elections, which is a key metric in assessing the health of a democracy.