the.com/turnout

Democracy's actual scoreboard — everyone's opinion counts only if they show up to count it.

means The number or percentage of eligible people who actually show up to vote (or attend some event), as opposed to those merely entitled to.

from A straightforward compound of 'turn' + 'out' — to turn out, meaning to come forth or appear in public. The verb phrase dates back centuries, used for crowds, militias, or workers turning out for a muster or a shift; the noun sense specifically measuring voter or audience numbers became common in the 1800s as elections and public events grew large enough to need counting.

US midterms
usually under 50 percent bother
compulsory voting
Australia fines you for skipping
rain effect
bad weather measurably lowers turnout
local elections
often single digits, decide the most
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