I've been a little confused all day. Getting two hours of sleep last night probably doesn't help.
In 2004 there were 122 million votes cast. When I add up the Obama and McCain votes I get 117 million. How is that a record turnout?
Leave it to Chuck Todd at First Read to explain:
Highest turnout rate since '08 -- 1908: Provided the number stands, the turnout rate for yesterday's election was the highest in 100 years, according to the estimate from turnout guru Dr. Michael McDonald at George Mason University. Almost 137 million (136,631,825) went to the polls -- 64.1% of the voting-eligible population. 1960 saw 63.7% of the populace go out to vote; In 1908, 65.7% voted. It was, of course, the most people ever to go to the polls topping 2004's 122 million. That's 12% increase from 2004. For those wondering why the current total vote in the presidential adds up to approximately 117 million, note that it's going to climb. There is still a ton of vote missing on the West coast.
Oh, thanks for explaining. We kept wondering what was up with that. Minnesota looks like it will hold the record again for being the state with the most voter turn-out (possibly over 80%). And yet we still somehow elected Michelle Bachman, Eric Paulsson, and John Kline. Sigh. BUT, we also re-elected Keith Ellison by an overwhelming majority - the first Muslim in Congress. I'm thinking we have achieved swing state status for sure. We are pretty divided here. It is truly an odd state to live in!
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