2016 U.S. presidential election: general election voter turnout, by state

In the 2016 United States presidential election, preliminary results indicated that 74.16 percent of eligible voters in Minnesota voted in the election. Significantly less, only about 42.52 percent, of eligible Hawaiian voters voted in the election.

Eligible voting in the U.S.

There are a few requirements necessary for an American to vote in elections. An American is eligible to vote if they are a U.S. citizen, either by birth or naturalization, they meet their state’s residency requirements, and if they are at least 18 years old. In some states, 17-year-olds are allowed to register to vote and vote in primaries if they will be 18 years old before the date of the general election.

Voter turnout

Despite the few requirements in place in order to vote, the United States trails other developed, democratic nations in voter turnout. There are a few reasons as to why this might be, but two leading reasons for not voting are lack of time and general apathy. Election Day, which takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, is not a public holiday, so many voters may not be able to leave work in order to vote before the polls close.