Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BumRushDaShow

(127,312 posts)
Thu Nov 12, 2020, 12:00 PM Nov 2020

2020 turnout is the highest in over a century

Source: Washington Post

More Americans voted in the 2020 election than in any other in more than 100 years. Nearly 65 percent of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot — a figure that will increase as more votes are tabulated.

The figures have shattered previous highs, including in 2008 when Barack Obama defeated John McCain, and in 1960 when John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon.

So far, records from 1980 have already been surpassed in 35 states. Another 7 and D.C. are projected to reach at least 40 year highs once all votes are tallied. Only 8 states do not look like they will end up with record-breaking turnout.

Turnout was especially high in many battleground states, where expectations of a close contest appeared to boost voter participation. Texas broke its 1992 record by over five percentage points, despite continuing to restrict access to mail-in ballots. Turnout in Minnesota reached nearly 80 percent.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/elections/voter-turnout/



7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Stallion

(6,473 posts)
3. Chart Really Shows Democratic Turnout is Essential Especially in Years w/o an Incumbent
Thu Nov 12, 2020, 12:29 PM
Nov 2020

its frightening and yet gratifying the numbers we had to get to the polls just to beat a fascist president in this Country. Its just about the best thing that happened in 2020

Botany

(70,291 posts)
4. We have won the national popular vote for 7 of the last 8 Presidential races* .... fuck the rural
Thu Nov 12, 2020, 12:38 PM
Nov 2020

... red neck voters. We are the majority.


* except for 2004 and that race was very dirty nationwide.

flibbitygiblets

(7,220 posts)
6. WTH do we have to do to get more than 50-65% of people to vote?
Thu Nov 12, 2020, 11:10 PM
Nov 2020

Seems like there should be some kind of compulsory vote, like you should have to pay a huge tax penalty if you don't vote.

We're always wondering who these "undecided voters" are. Well even in a historic voting year, around a third of the population is apparently undecided in some way, for some reason. We need to find them.

BumRushDaShow

(127,312 posts)
7. I think that aside from the passion of this year's election
Thu Nov 12, 2020, 11:16 PM
Nov 2020

you had states like PA with mail-in voting for a general election for the first time that really made a difference in terms of being able to get some kind of vote in - and do so in the middle of a pandemic.

I think if that type of thing was made available nationwide, without the GOP trying to torpedo it, it would help. It probably wouldn't get us to much more of a turnout than what you are seeing now because there is a large segment of the population whose issues never truly get resolved by either party - usually due to Congressional gridlock and other priorities, so they don't feel invested in even bothering. But for those who do try to follow along, making it easier to vote can make a difference in participation!

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»2020 turnout is the highe...