Quality of Life Indicators

voter turnout data

percentage of eligible population that registers & votes
barriers to voting

percentage of eligible population that registers & votes

The percentage of eligible citizens registered and casting votes indicates citizens invested in our community and see the value in working to make it even better. In 2004, voters turned out in record numbers in many states demonstrating a renewed interest in politics, policy, and future direction. In 2006, voter turnout was not as high, which is typical in a non-presidential election year. Whatever people felt about the outcome of the January caucus, the interest, passion and commitment were undeniable. It will be interesting to see if the grassroots dedication and interest remain in future elections.

barriers to voting

TMT created the Voter Turnout Quality of Life Compact in 2004 with the New Voters Project, Nevada Museum of Art, Washoe County Registrar of Voters, and the Washoe County Library System to support early voting and access to voting. The collaboration was so successful it was extended for the 2006 elections. A total of 17,161 citizens took advantage of early voting at Washoe County Library locations during the 2006 general election. This was the highest total for any early voting location in Washoe County (41% of the 41,906 early turnout). Early voting was offered at nine libraries for both the primary and general elections. In addition, Meet the Candidates events were held at three libraries: Sparks, South Valleys, and Northwest Reno.  Washoe County received a national public participation Savvy Award for their 2004 Election Campaign; visit “collaborate for quality of life.” Voter Turnout Compact

In TMT’s December 2007 community survey, conducted by MarkeTec, 81.6% of respondents reported voting in the last election, which is a higher rate than reported above.