What does this measure?
The percentage of the voting-age population (18 and over) that voted in an election.
Why is this important?
Voting is a basic responsibility of all citizens and an indication of the citizenry's interest in and commitment to participating in our political process.
How is our county doing?
In Essex County, voter participation was 62% in the 2024 presidential elections and 45% in the 2022 midterm elections. The 2024 presidential election participation rate was lower than the rates in all presidential election years since 2012.
Voter turnout in Essex County in 2024 was slightly higher than the state (61%). Lawrence had the lowest participation rate at 32% while West Newbury had the highest, at 90%.
How do we compare to similar counties?
Voter participation in Essex County during the 2024 presidential elections was higher than all comparison counties.
Notes about the data
Rates were calculated using Census estimates of the population 18 and over. National data only available for presidential years.