Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election. It is an important measure of civic engagement and can vary significantly between different elections, such as presidential elections and local elections. Factors influencing turnout include the competitiveness of the race, voter registration processes, and the perceived importance of the issues at stake. High voter turnout is often seen as a sign of a healthy democracy, as it indicates that citizens are actively participating in the political process. Conversely, low turnout can raise concerns about voter apathy or barriers to voting, such as voter ID laws or limited access to polling places.