Voter turnout is a cornerstone of American democracy, reflecting civic engagement and shaping election outcomes. Understanding what percentage of Americans participate in elections is crucial for grasping the dynamics of the U.S. political landscape. While the United States has witnessed some of its highest turnout rates in recent decades, participation is far from universal and varies significantly across different demographics and types of elections.
The elections of 2018, 2020, and 2022 marked a period of heightened voter participation in the U.S. The 2020 presidential election saw approximately 66% of the voting-eligible population turn out, marking the highest rate for a national election since 1900. Midterm elections also saw a surge, with 49% turnout in 2018, the highest since 1914, and even the 2022 midterm election, with a slightly lower 46% turnout, exceeded rates seen since 1970. These figures highlight a significant portion of eligible Americans engaging in the democratic process, yet they also underscore that a substantial percentage still does not vote.
While consistent and non-voters exist, a notable segment of the American electorate are intermittent voters, meaning they participate in some elections but not others. These voters, often swaying between parties, can be decisive in close contests. Data reveals that 70% of U.S. adult citizens eligible to vote between 2018 and 2022 voted in at least one of these elections. However, only about half of this group, 37%, voted in all three. This suggests that while a majority engages at some point, consistent participation is less common.
Interestingly, the group of citizens who voted at least once during this period is almost evenly split between Democrats/Democrat-leaning independents (48%) and Republicans/Republican-leaning independents (48%). The consistent voters, those who participated in all three elections, also show a similar division (49% Democrats, 50% Republicans). In contrast, those who did not vote in any of the three elections lean slightly Republican (46% Republican vs. 41% Democratic). These partisan divisions within voter turnout highlight the complex dynamics influencing electoral outcomes.
Voter Turnout by Race and Ethnicity
Race and ethnicity are critical factors influencing political preferences and, consequently, voter turnout in the United States. Significant disparities exist in participation rates across different racial and ethnic groups.
While Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters predominantly favor the Democratic party, their voter turnout rates historically lag behind those of White Americans. In the 2022 U.S. House elections, Black voters showed strong Democratic support (93%), followed by Asian (68%) and Hispanic voters (60%). Despite this Democratic leaning, participation consistency differs significantly.
White Americans exhibit higher voter consistency compared to other racial and ethnic groups. 43% of White citizens eligible to vote in the 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections voted in all three, while only 24% did not vote in any. In stark contrast, consistent voter percentages are lower for Black (27%), Hispanic (19%), and Asian Americans (21%). Notably, Hispanic citizens showed the highest rate of non-participation, with 47% not voting in any of these recent general elections. These statistics reveal a clear disparity in voter turnout across racial and ethnic lines, which has significant implications for political representation and election outcomes.
The Impact of Education on Voter Turnout
Education level is another crucial demographic factor strongly correlated with voter turnout. Higher levels of education generally correspond with higher rates of voter participation.
Among White adults, a notable partisan divergence exists based on education. White adults without a college degree, representing 41% of eligible voters, have an average voter turnout consistency (35% voted in 2018, 2020, and 2022). This group leaned heavily Republican in 2022 House elections (66%).
Conversely, White adults with college degrees demonstrate very high turnout rates. 56% of college-educated White adults voted in all three elections, and only 13% did not participate at all. This group, while constituting 24% of eligible voters, made up a larger share of the 2022 electorate (34%). Interestingly, college-educated White voters, who historically leaned Republican, have recently favored Democratic candidates (52% in 2022).
Education-related turnout gaps are also evident within Black and Hispanic communities, although partisan preferences are less differentiated by education within these groups. College-educated Black and Hispanic adults consistently vote at higher rates than their non-college-educated counterparts. These educational disparities in turnout contribute to the complex mosaic of voter participation in the U.S.
Voters vs. Nonvoters: Key Demographic Differences
Examining the demographic profiles of voters and nonvoters further illuminates the factors influencing electoral participation. Significant differences emerge, particularly in age, race, ethnicity, education, and income.
Age is a prominent differentiator. Voters in 2022 were significantly older on average than nonvoters. Adults under 50 constituted only 36% of voters but a substantial 64% of nonvoters. This age gap in turnout has been a consistent pattern across recent elections.
Racial and ethnic disparities also persist when comparing voters and nonvoters. White, non-Hispanic adults represented 75% of voters but a smaller 55% of nonvoters. Conversely, Hispanic and Black, non-Hispanic adults each constituted a smaller share of voters (9% each) but larger shares of nonvoters (18% and 15% respectively). Asian Americans also showed a similar trend, making up 3% of voters and 5% of nonvoters.
Education plays a critical role in distinguishing voters from nonvoters. Adults with a college degree comprised 43% of voters in 2022 but only 25% of nonvoters. Conversely, those without a college degree made up 56% of voters and a larger 74% of nonvoters. These demographic divides between voters and nonvoters underscore the multifaceted nature of voter turnout and highlight areas for potential civic engagement efforts.
Voting Methods and Their Partisan Implications
Voting methods, particularly in-person voting on Election Day versus absentee or mail-in voting, have become increasingly salient in U.S. elections, often intertwined with partisan preferences.
In 2022, as concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic eased, there was a shift in voting methods compared to the 2020 election. 43% of voters reported voting in person on Election Day in 2022, while 36% used absentee or mail-in ballots, and 21% voted in person before Election Day. In 2020, mail-in voting was more prevalent (45%), reflecting pandemic-era adaptations.
Partisan divides are evident in voting method preferences. Republican voters were more inclined to vote in person on Election Day. Approximately 51% of Republican voters in 2022 voted on Election Day, compared to smaller percentages using mail-in (27%) or early in-person voting (22%). This preference for Election Day in-person voting is a notable characteristic of Republican voter behavior.
Conversely, Democratic voters showed a stronger preference for absentee or mail-in ballots. 45% of Democratic voters in 2022 used mail-in ballots, while 34% voted in person on Election Day. This partisan divergence in voting methods reflects broader political and attitudinal differences regarding election access and security.
Reflecting these trends, Republicans won a majority among Election Day in-person voters (60%), while Democrats secured a majority among mail-in voters (60%). Early in-person voters were more divided. These voting method preferences and their partisan correlations underscore the evolving landscape of American elections and the strategic considerations for both parties in mobilizing their voters.
In conclusion, while voter turnout in the U.S. has seen encouraging surges in recent elections, a significant percentage of eligible Americans still do not participate. Turnout rates vary considerably across demographic groups, with notable disparities related to race, ethnicity, education, and age. Understanding these patterns, as well as the evolving methods of voting and their partisan implications, is crucial for a comprehensive view of American electoral dynamics and for ongoing efforts to promote broader civic engagement.
