Voting Math

On "super" Tuesday, there were alot of super-annoyed Minnesotans. Despite record turn-outs for both parties, it was total chaos at several of the Metro-area locations.
DFL(Democrat): 230,000 & GOP(Republican): 70,000. (Think we might be a "blue" state?)

This sounds great, and blows away records. But then, one considers this only represents 8% of the eligible voters.

8% of the people in this state got to 'vote'.

This translates to:
2% of people voted in the Republican primary
6% voted in DFL

Since I was sitting in 1250 Mayo Hall, being disenfranchised both politically and academically. (Lord, but it is loud in the back of that room!) None the less, comparing our new home to our old one ...


population eligible to vote (i.e., 18+, resident, citizen)
Minn. = 3.6 mil
Mich. = 7.1 mil
USA = 197 mil

as a % of the population it's about the same, 96% of residents are eligible (US=91%).

actually registered to vote:
Minn: 82%
Mich: 72%
USA: 66%

actually got off butt & voted (in '04)
Minn: 77%
Mich: 64%
USA: 58%


[ all data from US Census bureau, though MN Sec.State & another dept.@ US census bureau think voter turnout was 79%, but who's counting? ]

Can't wait to see this year's numbers.