Voter turnout plays a crucial role in determining election outcomes. Higher turnout often leads to a more representative reflection of the electorate's preferences, influencing the legitimacy of the results. Factors such as demographics, political engagement, and voting accessibility significantly affect turnout rates. When marginalized communities participate actively, their interests are more likely to be addressed in policy-making. Conversely, low turnout can skew election results, favoring parties or candidates who may not reflect the broader population's views, thus impacting overall governance.