To determine which statement best describes the table regarding voter turnout and election-day registration, let's break down the information step by step.
1. Voter Turnout Data:
- States with Election-Day Registration:
- 2008: 72%
- 2012: 65%
- States without Election-Day Registration:
- 2008: 62%
- 2012: 58%
2. Calculating the Average Turnout:
- Average Turnout in States with Election-Day Registration:
To find the average, add the turnout percentages for 2008 and 2012, then divide by 2:
[tex]\[
\text{Average Turnout with Registration} = \frac{72\% + 65\%}{2} = \frac{137\%}{2} = 68.5\%
\][/tex]
- Average Turnout in States without Election-Day Registration:
Similarly, add the turnout percentages for 2008 and 2012, then divide by 2:
[tex]\[
\text{Average Turnout without Registration} = \frac{62\% + 58\%}{2} = \frac{120\%}{2} = 60.0\%
\][/tex]
3. Comparing the Averages:
- The average turnout for states with election-day registration is 68.5%.
- The average turnout for states without election-day registration is 60.0%.
4. Drawing a Conclusion:
- Since 68.5% (average turnout with election-day registration) is greater than 60.0% (average turnout without election-day registration), we can conclude that states with election-day registration had higher turnout.
Therefore, the statement that best describes the table is:
- "States with election-day registration had higher turnout."
