So far this year, voter turnout has bounced back from the anemic levels seen during the 2014 midterm primaries, and a lot of the increase is being driven by Democrats.
More than half the states have held primary contests this year, representing nearly two-thirds of the country’s population. Nearly 14 million people have cast votes in Democratic primaries so far—an increase of nearly 60% from four years ago. On the Republican side, 12.3 million people have cast votes, which is an increase of just under 20%.
As Governing reports, Democratic turnout nearly tripled in Colorado’s primary last month, rising 197% from 2014. Republican turnout, by comparison, was up by about 30%.
However, Colorado may be a special case. For the first time, unaffiliated voters, who outnumber both Republicans and Democrats in the state, were able to participate in primary elections. Still, a clear majority of independents chose to cast ballots on the Democratic side.
Studies show that people choose to vote in primaries for different reasons than in general elections. In California, Democratic turnout increased this year by more than 80%, while Republicans’ numbers were up 45%.
Similarly, in Maryland, Democratic turnout rose by 21%, compared to just 2% among Republicans. But the actual turnout rate for the state primary was an unimpressive 25%.
It’s not as though all the numbers point to bad news for Republicans. In several states, the party has made voter registration gains since President Donald Trump’s election two years ago.
