washington: The US experienced unprecedented voter engagement during the 2020 presidential election, marking the highest voter turnout since 1900. This historic election, held amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a significant increase in participation as states expanded voting options to include mail-in ballots and drop-off facilities to accommodate public health concerns.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 2020 election saw nearly 160 million Americans casting their votes out of approximately 244 million eligible voters, culminating in a turnout rate of about 66%. This surge in voter participation led to Joe Biden’s victory over the incumbent president, Donald Trump.
In contrast to this recent record-breaking turnout, historical trends show fluctuating levels of voter engagement in the United States. The American Presidency Project (APP) notes that the lowest voter turnout in a presidential election was recorded in 1924, with just about 49% of registered voters participating. Among post-World
War II elections, the 1948 election had one of the lowest participation rates, with Harry S. Truman winning the presidency amidst a 51% turnout.
The 1950s and 1960s experienced relatively higher voter engagement, with notable elections such as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s victory in 1952 and John F. Kennedy’s in 1960, both witnessing turnout rates exceeding 60%. However, this trend shifted in the subsequent decades. The 1980s saw a drop in participation, with Ronald Reagan’s elections in 1980 and 1984, and George H.W. Bush’s in 1988, showing turnout rates ranging from 53% to 55%.
The 1990s and 2000s reflected a steady increase in voter turnout. Bill Clinton’s 1992 election marked an uptick in participation at 58%, and George W. Bush’s elections in 2000 and 2004 saw a turnout of approximately 54%. The 2008 election of Barack Obama was a pivotal moment, drawing in about 131 million voters and achieving a turnout rate of 61%.
In the 2012 election, turnout slightly decreased as Obama secured re-election with 58% par
ticipation. The 2016 election, which resulted in Donald Trump’s victory, had a turnout rate of 59%, with over 136 million votes cast.
The 2020 election’s remarkable turnout underscores the evolving landscape of voter engagement in the US, demonstrating a significant increase in civic participation despite the challenges presented by the global pandemic.