2020 US presidential election sees highest voter turnout since 1900

The US saw a record level of voter participation in the 2020 presidential election, held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In contrast, one of the lowest participation rates in the post-World War II era was recorded in the 1948 election, with a turnout of just 51%.

Post-World War II trends

According to The American Presidency Project (APP), the lowest voter turnout in a US presidential election occurred in 1924, with approximately 49% of registered voters participating.

Among post-World War II elections, the 1948 election saw the lowest turnout, with about 48 million voters casting ballots, resulting in a turnout rate of 51%. Harry S. Truman won the presidency in that election.

During the 1950s and 1960s, US presidential elections had slightly higher-than-average national turnout rates. In 1952, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected, around 61 million voters participated, with a turnout rate of approximately 61%. In 1960, about 68 million voters took part, with a turnout rate of 62%.

The 1968 election saw roughly 73 million voters and a turnout rate of about 61%. However, in 1972, around 77 million voters participated, but the turnout rate dropped to approximately 55%.

1980s-1990s trends

Ronald Reagan’s election in 1980 and his successful re-election in 1984 saw steady participation. The 1984 election had around 92 million voters, with a turnout rate of approximately 55%.

In 1988, George H.W. Bush won the election with about 53% voter participation. In 1992, more than 104 million people voted, raising the participation rate to around 58% as Bill Clinton defeated Bush.

2000s trends

In the 2000 election, George W. Bush won with about 105 million votes cast, leading to a turnout rate of approximately 54%. He won again in 2004, with around 55 million people voting.

The 2008 election saw a significant increase in voter turnout, with approximately 131 million voters participating (61% turnout), electing Barack Obama. This marked a notable rise in voter engagement.

2010s trends

In the 2012 election, Obama was re-elected with around 129 million voters participating, a turnout rate of approximately 58%. The 2016 presidential election saw about 59% voter participation, with over 136 million votes cast, leading to Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton.

Highest turnout in 2020

The 2020 presidential election recorded the highest voter turnout in the US since 1900. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states expanded options for voting by mail or drop-off.

Of approximately 244 million eligible voters, nearly 160 million participated, with a turnout rate of about 66%. Joe Biden won the election, defeating incumbent Donald Trump.

AA