Turn Out

by digby

Primary turnout NOT a record, study says

Despite a surge of voting in many states, national primary turnout this year is falling short of the record, set in 1972. Overall turnout thus far has reached 30.2 percent of eligible voters, short of the reord 30.9 percent set in 1972, according to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate at American University. Democrats set records in 23 states, but their overall turnout of 19.3 percent fell short of the 21 percent turnout in 1972, when the party nominated George McGovern. Republicans set records this year in 10 states, but their overall turnout of 10.8 percent fell short of higher turnout in 2000, 1980, and 1976.
What does it mean for the fall? “High primary turnout does not necessarily augur high general election turnout,” says Curtis Gans, director of the center. “In 1972, the year of the highest presidential primary turnout, turnout in the general election experienced the largest decline (5.3 percent) of any election since World War II… “Rather, it is very likely that this fall’s election will have high turnout because of the issues which will be in play and the economic condition of the nation.”

Yes, I think we can count on that. In 1972 there was a popular incumbent running which is very, very different than this situation, as you well know. The country is in deep shit and everyone knows it.

But this history shows we shouldn’t take anything for granted. Every possible GOTV operation known to Democrats must be deployed in November.

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