GCECivic EducationCivil Society and Popular Participation2023

In a local government area with a voting-age population of 80,000, only 24,000 people cast valid votes in an election. What is the voter turnout percentage, and what does this figure suggest about popular participation in that community?

A30%; it indicates high popular participation driven by civic awareness
B30%; it indicates low popular participation, reflecting voter apathy or systemic barriersCORRECT
C40%; it indicates moderate popular participation consistent with national averages
D40%; it indicates low popular participation caused by electoral malpractice alone
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Voter turnout is calculated as (votes cast ÷ voting-age population) × 100 = (24,000 ÷ 80,000) × 100 = 30%. A 30% turnout is widely regarded as low and signals weak popular participation, which may result from voter apathy, poverty, illiteracy, distrust in the electoral process, or logistical barriers. It cannot be attributed solely to electoral malpractice, and it certainly does not indicate high participation.
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →

Practice more Civic Education questions

GCE Civic Education has thousands more questions like this — with Worked answers on every one.

Start practicing free →See all Civic Education questions