Definition and meaning of voter turnout: Voter turnout is a measure of how many people actually vote in an election, as compared to the number of people eligible to vote. Low voter turnout may indicate that the people are not interested in the candidates or the issues at stake, or that the candidates are not communicating with the people in an effective manner. In these cases, it is important to encourage reform-minded candidates to run for office, and to increase the diversity of voices in the political process. Ultimately, the goal is to increase voter turnout so that the true will of the people is reflected in the results of elections.