Based on the data, what conclusion can you draw about election-day registration in states where it was an option?

A. It helped to increase voter turnout.
B. It slightly lowered voter turnout.
C. It was an option in more states in 2008.
D. It will be adopted by more states in 2012.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline \multicolumn{2}{|c|}{States with Election-Day Registration} \\
\hline 2008 & [tex]$72 \%$[/tex] \\
\hline 2012 & [tex]$65 \%$[/tex] \\
\hline \multicolumn{2}{|c|}{States without Election-Day Registration} \\
\hline 2008 & [tex]$62 \%$[/tex] \\
\hline 2012 & [tex]$58 \%$[/tex] \\
\hline
\end{tabular}



Answer :

To determine how election-day registration impacted voter turnout, let's analyze the provided data for states with and without election-day registration (EDR).

Step-by-Step Analysis:

1. Compare Voter Turnout in 2008:
- States with EDR had a voter turnout of 72%.
- States without EDR had a voter turnout of 62%.

We observe that in 2008, states with election-day registration had a higher voter turnout (72%) compared to states without it (62%).

2. Compare Voter Turnout in 2012:
- States with EDR had a voter turnout of 65%.
- States without EDR had a voter turnout of 58%.

In 2012, states with election-day registration again had a higher voter turnout (65%) compared to states without it (58%).

3. Overall Analysis:
- Both in 2008 and 2012, states with Election-Day Registration consistently had higher voter turnout rates than states without it.
- The difference in turnout is 10% higher in 2008 and 7% higher in 2012 for states with EDR compared to states without it.

Conclusion:
Based on this data, election-day registration helped to increase voter turnout in states where it was an option. Therefore, the appropriate conclusion among the options provided is:

- It helped to increase voter turnout.