Voter Turnout In National Elections Typically Underestimated

Which countries have the highest rate of turnout for national elections? Ipsos Mori conducted a survey listing the public's average guess for turnout versus actual turnout. With the UK general election swiftly approaching, the public guessed that Britain's voter turnout is 49 percent. However, in reality, the actual number is 66 percent.

France leads the way with an actual turnout of 80 percent. The average guess was far lower in the survey - just 57 percent. Why is there such a considerable gulf between Britain and France in voter turnout? Some observers believe it is related to timing. Traditionally, the British general election takes place on Thursday, a working day, whereas the French typically vote on a Sunday. Naturally, there are more factors influencing turnout, many of them cultural.

Italy also records an impressive turnout with a 21 percent point difference between the actual number and average guess. Respondents in the United States were spot on when they were asked to guess voter turnout. The public guessed 57 percent while the actual number is 58 percent.