Voter turnout was 11% higher in 2016 in the dozen closely divided presidential battleground states compared to the rest of the country, as shown on the graph below.
In 2012, voter turnout was 16% higher in the dozen closely divided presidential battleground states compared to the rest of the country.
In 2008, voter turnout was 9% higher in the 14 closely divided presidential battleground states compared to the rest of the country.
The reason for lower voter turnout in the spectator states is that many voters realize that their vote really does not matter in the presidential race.
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