Survey: 2018 turnout high, US voters embrace expansive options

Associated Press

ATLANTA — More than 120 million Americans cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, with turnout surging to that of a typical presidential year in some states and the highest percentages of voters in places that have expanded access to the polls, according to an analysis of data released Thursday by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

The 2018 Election Administration and Voting Survey highlights the decentralized nature of U.S. elections and disparities within state voting laws. For instance, 25 states have passed voting restrictions in the last decade while others have been expanding access by implementing vote by mail, same-day voter registration and other measures.

In 2018, six states saw turnout levels exceed 60%, when considering the number of U.S. citizens eligible to vote, according to the survey. Among those were Oregon and Colorado, which conduct their elections entirely by mail, considered one of the more accessible voting options. The other four states provide opportunities to cast ballots early, allow voters to register and vote on Election Day and don’t require an excuse for absentee voting.

A report on the survey, which is based on data submitted by state and local election offices, is sent to Congress after each federal election and the data is used to analyze voting trends nationwide. Along with collecting information on election administration, the commission is charged with developing voluntary guidelines for voting systems and disbursing grants for voting equipment upgrades.

“While election administration across the nation is largely decentralized, this report allows us to better understand election frameworks and operations in each state and most localities,” said Nichelle Williams, research director for the Election Assistance Commission.

The survey found the rate of early, in-person voting more than doubled since the 2014 election and vote by mail was used by one-quarter of the electorate last year.

Voting rights advocates say same-day or Election Day voter registration not only eliminates deadlines to register weeks in advance of an election but also allows voters who have failed to update their addresses with election officials to cast ballots that will be counted.