You know who may vote from the voting amendments: citizens 18 and older, under rules each state sets. Turnout is the share of eligible people who actually vote, and it varies a great deal.
| Election | Turnout of eligible voters (about) |
|---|---|
| Presidential years, recent decades | 55 to 67 percent |
| 2020 presidential election | about 67 percent, the highest since 1900 |
| Midterm (non-presidential) elections | about 40 to 50 percent |
| Local elections held on their own dates | often much lower |
Why it works
Why do some people vote more than others? Political scientists find that turnout rises with age, education, income and interest in politics, and with how close and exciting the race is. Presidential races get the most attention, so turnout is higher in those years than in midterms. Rules matter too, and states differ: how and when to register (some states allow registration on Election Day; others close registration weeks before), whether to vote early or by mail, and what identification to show. People disagree about these rules: some stress making voting easier, others stress protecting against errors and fraud, and many want both. Studies of how much each rule changes turnout reach mixed results.
Key idea
Citizens 18 and older vote where they are registered. Turnout is higher in presidential years than in midterms and rises with age, education and interest; registration, mail voting and ID rules vary by state.
Worked example: Computing turnout
A town has 20,000 eligible voters, and 9,000 vote. What is the turnout?
- Turnout = voters ÷ eligible voters.
- 9,000 ÷ 20,000 = 0.45.
Answer: 45 percent.
Worked example: Which election?
A state reports 62 percent turnout one November and 44 percent two years later. Which was more likely the presidential year?
- Presidential years usually draw more voters than midterms.
Answer: The 62 percent year.
Common mistake
Thinking turnout is about the same in every election. Midterm turnout has usually been well below presidential-year turnout, and local elections on their own dates are often lower still. Check the year: presidential elections fall in years divisible by 4.