> A democracy with 75% voter turnout is healthier than a democracy with 50% voter turnout even exactly the same politicians got elected, because citizens participating in a democratic process signals that they value the process and want to keep it.

I disagree.

In Russia in 2024, Vladimir Putin got 87% of the vote, with 78% reported voter turnout, far higher than in any US election. Do you think that signals that Russian citizens value democracy and want to keep the current process, where Putin invariably wins by a landslide?

I'm not saying that people shouldn't get out and vote if they feel so moved. But voter turnout isn't intrinsically good or bad, nor does it signal a healthy democracy.

What DOES signal a healthy democracy?

- Meaningful electoral choice, including the choice of minor-party candidates. Ranked-choice voting can help here, because it's not as susceptible to vote spoiling as the "first past the post" system currently in widespread use in the US.

- Non-gerrymandered districts. Independent review and judicial checks and balances can help.

- Electoral competitiveness, where incumbents and established parties can realistically lose power. Term limits can help here.

- Accountability of elected officials.

- Integrity of the electoral process.

- Peaceful transfer of power.