Voter turnout varies substantially, depending on what offices are up for election.
In elections where candidates are on TV and widely known, such as for governor or president, voter turnout has been fair to good. 1999 saw the lowest voter turnout in recent history. Importance Voting is the fundamental way that we exercise our right to self-government. Voter turnout is the basic measure of how many of us are exercising this right. Through voting, we express our desires and set our priorities for less poverty, more jobs, a cleaner environment, less crime, and better education.