In 2012, 17% of eligible voters cast ballots in statewide primary elections for the U.S. President, governors, or U.S. Senate. For comparison 59% of eligible voters cast ballots in general elections. Because primary voters are generally divided between two political parties, these figures suggest that the average vote cast in a primary election carries roughly seven times more weight than a vote cast in a general election. Equation: 59% / (17% / 2) = 6.9