Reformers often argue that legislative term limits enhance electoral competitiveness and increase voter turnout. However, this claim has remained largely untested until now.

This study addresses the question by examining both aggregate turnout rates and district-level voting patterns in state legislatures across multiple states.

Contrary to expectations based on California's experience where some feared a potential decline, we find that term limits significantly increase voter participation. Our results suggest these reforms may have broader implications for electoral dynamics nationwide.