U.S. States with the Highest Voter Turnout: Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, Michigan, District of Columbia

U.S. States with the highest voter turnout: Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, Michigan, District of Columbia

In the evolving landscape of American politics, voter turnout remains a crucial indicator of civic engagement. States across the U.S. exhibit varying levels of voter participation, reflecting differences in voting systems, state policies, and local political cultures.  

A new study by casino experts at JeffBet has analyzed the average voter turnout in each U.S. state for the November 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 US. general elections, to determine the states with the highest percentage of participating voters.  
 

Oregon ranks first, with 70% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

This high turnout is largely due to the state’s vote-by-mail system, which was adopted in 2000 and allows voters to conveniently cast ballots from home. The system increases accessibility, especially for those who face barriers to in-person voting and is supported by a strong culture of civic engagement in the state.  
 
Maine comes in second, with 63.8% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Maine’s voter turnout is bolstered by its tradition of political engagement, relatively small population, and the state’s adoption of ranked-choice voting, which encourages more voters to take part in the electoral process.  
 
Minnesota ranks third, with 63.7% of eligible voters participating in elections. 

Known for its high levels of voter participation, Minnesota benefits from policies such as same-day voter registration, which makes the voting process more accessible and encourages greater engagement.  
 
Michigan places fourth, with 63.3% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Michigan’s status as a critical battleground state in national elections drives voter engagement, with political campaigns and civic organizations pushing for higher participation.  
 
District of Columbia places fifth, with 62.9% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Despite not having full congressional representation, the district’s residents are highly engaged in national politics, likely boosting voter turnout.  
 
Vermont ranks sixth, with 62.2% of eligible voters participating in elections. 

Vermont’s small population and emphasis on civic responsibility contribute to its high voter turnout, with residents often engaging in state and national issues.  
 
Colorado places seventh, with 61.3% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Colorado’s all-mail voting system, like Oregon’s, makes the voting process more accessible and encourages participation, especially for those who might find it difficult to vote in person.  
 
Wisconsin comes in eighth, with 60.9% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Wisconsin’s participation is driven by its status as a key swing state. Both local and national elections receive significant attention, prompting higher voter engagement.  
 
Pennsylvania ranks ninth, with 60% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

As another critical battleground state, Pennsylvania experiences prominent levels of political activity, encouraging more voters to participate in local and national elections.  
 
Washington rounds out the top ten, with 59.7% of eligible voters participating in elections.  

Much like Oregon and Colorado, Washington’s vote-by-mail system helps increase accessibility, making it easier for residents to vote and participate in the democratic process.