© 2026. The Trustees of Indiana University
Copyright Complaints
1229 East Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
News, Arts and Culture from WFIU Public Radio and WTIU Public Television
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Low Expected Voter Turnout Could Sway Elections

Less than one-third of the number of Hoosiers who voted early in 2012 have turned out ahead of Election Day this year.

Only about 4 percent of Hoosiers cast an early ballot by Friday – that's compared to 22 percent in 2012, and 14 percent in 2010.

Voting in the May primary was at a historic low.

But, political analyst Ed Feigenbaum said low turnout doesn't necessarily help either Republicans or Democrats.

"The thing about low turnout is that almost anything can happen because we just don't know precisely who's going to be showing up to the polls," he said.

Feigenbaum said, generally speaking, low turnout in rural areas, for instance, will probably help Republicans, while fewer voters in Democratic strongholds such as Indianapolis likely gives Democrats a boost.

State GOP Chair Tim Berry said low turnout is a concern.

"Sometimes you get scary results, unintended results," Berry said. "So that's why we're certainly working to push as many voters towards the polls."

State Democratic Party Chair John Zody said a low turnout election helps no one and that Democrats are invested in voter outreach.

Tags