Voting Patterns

As of the 2010 Census, Maryland is ranked as the wealthiest state in the United States, based on medium household income.  Maryland is also highly ranked for voter turnout, leading me to question if there was a direct correlation between the wealth of an area and voter turnout.

In 2000, 75 percent of registered Maryland voters casted a vote in the Presidential Election.
In 2002, 68 percent of registered Maryland voters casted a vote in the Gubernatorial Election.

Three of the five Maryland Counties in the 2000 election with the highest voter turnout are also listed in Maryland's Top 5 wealthiest counties.  Four of the five counties with the lowest turnout are also listed in Maryland's 5 poorest counties.

In the 2002 election, only 2 of the 5 counties with the highest turnout were also Maryland's wealthiest counties.  Only one of Maryland's poorest county was listed in the lowest turnout in this election.  This is likely because the poorer counties are more affected by the outcome of the Gubernatorial elections, and therefore, would exhibit a higher turnout in these elections.

From 1999 to 2002, 4 of the 5 poorest counties in Maryland have experienced a severe drop in voter turnout.  One possible reason for this trend could be that the population of those 65+ has increased, and voters in this age group may not be able to get to the voting polls as easily.

During this time, 3 of Maryland's wealthiest counties have experienced a rise in voter turnout.  One reason for this trend could be that the population of those 18 to 44 has significantly increased, leading to a higher number of voters in the counties.

With the exception of Baltimore City, Maryland's poorest counties historically vote Republican.
The wealthy counties in Maryland historically vote Democrat.  These counties also make up the 5 districts that control the outcome of any election in Maryland.

As of 2002, Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Indiana, and Vermont had the highest percentage of residents 18+ registered to vote.  Maryland was listed at 37th, with 68 percent of those over 18 registered to vote.
In the same election, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, California, and Georgia had the lowest percentage of residents 18+ registered to vote.

In the 2002 election, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Hawaii has the highest voter turnout.  Maryland came in 9th with 62 percent of their registered voters casted their vote in 2002.
In the same election, Washington D.C., Mississippi, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia had the lowest voter turnout.