A "turnout election" refers to an election where a lot of people come out to vote. It means there is a high level of participation by the public in choosing their representatives or leaders. Full definition
In low turnout elections, loyal party voters tend to carry more influence. (newsday.com)
There is nothing Democratic about selecting education leaders through low - turnout elections overwhelmed by public worker money. (volumeandlightnashville.org)
The difference between winning 60 % of those who are motivated by immigration, for example, and winning 66 % is the difference between winning and losing seats in low turnout elections. (conservativehome.blogs.com)