Why mid-terms have low voter turnout – a brief analysis
Virginia’s low turnout is best understood as a structural problem rather than a one-off, with three factors—candidate quality, voter turnout, and campaign funding—each playing a distinct role. The election cycle and voter fatigue are the dominant drivers. Virginia holds elections every year, and turnout collapses in off-years: 28–42% in legislative/off-off years versus 70–75% in presidential years. A 2026 Richmond Times-Dispatch column notes turnout drops by…