"Voter turnout" signifies the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their ballots in elections, reflecting a populace's engagement with democratic processes. High voter turnout often indicates strong public interest in the electoral contest, signaling the importance of issues at stake or the effectiveness of mobilization efforts by parties and organizations. Conversely, low turnout can suggest political apathy, disenchantment with candidates, or barriers to access. Understanding voter turnout is vital for evaluating the legitimacy of electoral outcomes and the health of a democracy.