How Election Timing Shapes Voter Participation

Aug 1: Virginia is one of only five states that holds gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years, separate from presidential and congressional races. Now, lawmakers are considering a major shift that would move state elections onto the federal election calendar, which consequentially could increase voter participation and make elections more accessible.

A pan-university team of UVA researchers led by Dr. Jessica Kimpell Johnson, Director of Research at the Karsh Institute of Democracy, is providing lawmakers with data and analysis on how election timing affects voter turnout; who participates in elections; and whether consolidating elections could reshape Virginia’s political landscape. 

What they're saying:

• “Election timing shapes participation. Our research finds clear evidence that consolidating elections with the federal cycle leads to greater voter turnout.” 
• “Increasing voter participation is one of the strongest arguments for election consolidation, particularly among groups who face greater barriers to voting in off-cycle elections.” 
• “The question is not only whether more people vote, but how changes to the election calendar affect voter attention, election administration and engagement with state and local issues.”

Story angles for consideration

• The democracy angle: Who votes — and who doesn’t — can shape the outcome of elections. How does Virginia’s current election schedule influence voter participation, and could moving elections improve democratic engagement?

• The turnout angle: Virginia sees a significantly higher turnout during presidential elections than during off-year gubernatorial races. Would consolidating elections make it easier for more Virginians to participate, particularly younger voters, working adults and historically underrepresented groups?

• The national trends angle: Virginia is part of a broader national conversation about election administration and voter access. What can research tell us about how states structure elections to encourage participation?

The big picture

• Election timing is emerging as a policy issue across the country. This year alone, multiple states have introduced or advanced legislation to consolidate election dates or move local elections to even-numbered years, while states including South Dakota and New Mexico have recently enacted or proposed similar changes. 

• The proposal comes amid heightened national attention on election policy ahead of the 2026 midterms, as states continue debating how to improve voter access, strengthen election administration, and increase public participation in the democratic process.

• Questions about how election rules shape voter participation are becoming increasingly prominent nationwide. Alongside debates over voter eligibility, mail voting and ranked-choice voting, lawmakers are also examining whether changing when elections are held can increase turnout and improve democratic participation.

The bottom line

As Virginia considers one of the biggest changes to its election system in decades, Karsh Institute of Democracy researchers can help explain what research reveals about election timing, voter participation and the future of democratic engagement.

Virginia’s debate over election timing is ultimately a question about democratic participation: Does changing when elections happen change who participates? Karsh Institute researchers can provide evidence-based insight into voter behavior, election design, and the potential impacts of restructuring Virginia’s election calendar.