2020 US presidential election sees highest voter turnout since 1900

By Silan Turp

NKARA (AA) – 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.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul