Analysis of 2002 Voter Turnout in Minnesota

In 2002, the Minnesota Senate election became one of the most watched and hottest races in the country. Many groups and political organizations invested significant resources in the campaigns, hoping to help swing the election.

FLS worked on behalf of many of the groups supporting Senator Coleman, and has conducted an analysis of the impact advocacy and GOTV phone calls had on the outcome of the race - Senator Coleman's election by a margin of 3%.

Below are some highlights:

Example 1: Households with a vote history of participating in 2 of the last 4 elections.

Turnout Percentage
Calls Received
62%
0
76%
3
80%
6

Example 2: Households with a vote history of participating in 4 of the last 4 elections.

Turnout Percentage
Calls Received
89%
0
93.9%
3
94.6%
6

Example 3: Same day voter registrants (which typically account for 15-18% of voters in a general election in Minnesota).

Turnout Percentage
Calls Received
65%
0
66%
3
69%
6

This is one of the first studies ever conducted on how targeted messaging affects voter turnout. Obviously, in this race it had a critical impact. Voter turnout was 12% higher among those who received calls versus those who did not receive any calls…increasing overall voter turnout by 8.9%.

Call FLS for your next grassroots project at 866-fls-2002, or e-mail info@flsphones.com