Voter turnout in U.S. presidential elections has varied significantly, reflecting changes in societal attitudes, legal adjustments, and demographic shifts. Because voting is not mandatory, the U.S. population is perhaps sometimes perceived to be less civically engaged vs. other democracies.

In the early 19th century, voter turnout was relatively low, with a small, property-owning male electorate. However, as states gradually removed property requirements for voting, participation increased. The election of 1828, where Andrew Jackson's populist campaign galvanized broader participation, saw a significant rise in voter turnout.

The period following the Civil War marked another shift. The 15th Amendment ratified in 1870, granted African American men the right to vote, although discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes severely limited their participation. Turnout during this period was generally high, peaking with participation rates often exceeding 70%.

The early 20th century witnessed intriguing fluctuations in U.S. voter turnout. The introduction of women's suffrage with the 19th Amendment in 1920 expanded the electorate, yet turnout did not immediately increase significantly. The Great Depression and World War II also impacted voter participation. The mid-20th century saw a decline in turnout rates, dropping below 50% in several elections. These historical fluctuations underscore the complex factors that influence voter participation.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a watershed moment in U.S. history, leading to significant changes. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, resulting in increased voter registration and turnout among African Americans. This inspiring progress, despite overall turnout remaining variable, saw notable peaks in 1960 and 1964 but a general decline in subsequent decades.

In the 21st century, U.S. voter turnout has seen a resurgence, driven by heightened political polarization and increased voter engagement. The 2008 election of Barack Obama saw the highest turnout in decades, particularly among young and minority voters. Recent elections in 2016 and 2020 have continued this trend, with 2020 marking the highest turnout in over a century. This resurgence, spurred by the contentious political climate and efforts to increase accessibility through mail-in and early voting options, offers hope for the future of U.S. democracy.

Comparing the U.S. voter turnout to other democracies provides a broader perspective. In many Western European countries, voter turnout in national elections often exceeds 70%. For instance, Germany and Sweden frequently report around 75-80% turnout rates. These high levels of participation are partly due to different electoral systems, compulsory voting laws (as in Belgium and Australia), and more accessible voting processes.

In contrast, the U.S. typically sees lower turnout rates. Turnout in U.S. presidential elections has historically fluctuated between 50% and 60%, with notable peaks. The 2020 election saw a significant increase, with about 66.8% of eligible voters casting ballots. However, this still needs to catch up to countries with more robust voting traditions and mechanisms to maximize participation. The lower turnout in the U.S. can be attributed to factors such as the absence of compulsory voting laws, the decentralized nature of the electoral system, and the prevalence of voter apathy or disillusionment with the political process.

Below, you can see a chart of voter turnout rate since 1789. Source: US Elections Project.