A Closer Look at Democratic Turnout

Statewide, Democratic turnout was down 17.5 percent from the gubernatorial primary four years ago. These charts show how voter participation varied according to population density and region.

Turnout by Population Density

A positive number indicates precincts where the Democratic turnout fell less sharply than the 17.5 percent statewide average. (A value of "2.0" means voter turnout fell only 15.5 percent.) A negative number means turnout fell more than 17.5 percent.

Turnout by Region

This chart shows Democratic turnout was stronger in Virginia's "Urban Crescent," which stretches from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., through Richmond and Hampton Roads. Elsewhere, turnout fell more sharply than the statewide average of 17.5 percent.

Urban: Population of 90,000 or more and population density of at least 1,300 people per square mile.
Suburban: Population density between 1,300 people per square mile and 125 people per square mile.
Rural: Population density of fewer than 125 people per square mile.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections. Election returns as of June 9.

Methodology: Formula for turnout change = (Ballots cast in June 2021 Democratic gubernatorial primary / Total number of registered voters) MINUS (Ballots cast in June 2017 Democratic gubernatorial primary / Total number of registered voters in June 2017). The 2021 numbers do not include any mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day that will be tallied on Friday, June 11.