Oregon Public Broadcasting

As of Wednesday afternoon, turnout in Oregon is at 85 percent, a remarkably high number. But so far, the state has not passed the turnout numbers in 1960 or 2004, when more than 86.4 percent voted. Ethan Lindsey reports.

Theories abound as to why this year's turnout in Oregon may not break the all-time record, as it did in many other parts of the country.

Some say it may be because Oregon didn’t get any swing state attention this year.

Marc Siegel, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Oregon, says Democrats were energized, but that wasn’t enough.

Marc Siegel: “Democrats had a lot to vote for, support, and be excited about this election. Republicans didn’t have nearly as many quality candidates or exciting opportunities to vote for this election, and it’s showing in the results.”

Siegel is obviously taking a verbal victory lap – but he isn’t wrong.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, almost 200,000 fewer Republicans voted this year than Democrats.