Presidential Primary Turnout

Dr. Lonna Atkeson is a Professor in the political science department at the University of New Mexico. During this current presidential election, many articles have circulated on the perceived enthusiasm of the Republican party compared to the low turnout on the part of the democratic party. However, according to Dr. Lonna Atkeson, “Differences in turnout aren't necessarily the result of differing levels of enthusiasm. In fact, turnout in party primary contests are largely explained by a party's "position" in the electoral cycle.” Dr. Atkeson analyzed turnout in primary elections in each presidential election cycle since 2004, calculating voter turnout by the number of primary voters divided by an estimate of the eligible population using a normal party vote measure. So what causes a greater turnout? What motivates these voters? And what does this mean for the results? Dr. Atkeson explains.