Understanding Voter Turnout in the United States: Why Only a Half of Eligible Voters Cast Their Ballot

Voting is a fundamental right in the United States. Yet, a concerning statistic reveals that only about 65% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the 2020 presidential election. Why do so many eligible voters choose not to participate? The reasons range from dissatisfaction with candidates and the voting process to apathy, ignorance, and disinterest. Let's delve into these reasons and explore why voter turnout is a critical issue in American democracy.

Eligibility and Population Figures

The total U.S. population was approximately 336,673,595 in 2022. Of these, about 78% are 18 years or older, making the voting-age population around 262,605,404. However, not all individuals in this group are eligible to vote. The two primary reasons for ineligibility are non-U.S. citizenship and a past felony conviction. According to the Pew Research Center, there are roughly 20 million non-citizens in the U.S.

There are approximately 24.5 million naturalized U.S. citizens, accounting for around 7% of the total U.S. population. This brings us to a population of about 242 million U.S. citizens aged 18 and over. From this group, about 2 million are either currently in jail or prison or are ineligible to vote after leaving prison. Additionally, a certain number of individuals may have cognitive limitations that make voting impractical.

Calculating the exact number of eligible voters can be tricky, but we can estimate that around 239 million people can potentially vote. Only 154.6 million cast their votes in the 2020 presidential election, accounting for roughly 65% of eligible voters.

Reasons for Low Voter Turnout

Americans report a variety of reasons for not voting or not being registered to vote. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a significant number cited a lack of interest in the election or not being involved in politics as factors. Many people feel that their votes don't count, viewing political processes as corrupt or irrelevant. Some express frustration with the candidates, while others are alienated or simply disillusioned.

Young individuals often cite a lack of awareness or belief that voting matters. For some, religious beliefs oppose political participation. Others might have encountered obstacles in the registration process, such as busy schedules or bureaucratic hurdles that prevent them from voting.

Justifying the claim that non-citizens, often labeled as "illegal aliens," skew the voting process is both inaccurate and unfounded. If political parties wanted to increase their voter base, they could easily mobilize this demographic. The belief that non-citizens are more eager to vote than U.S. citizens is absurd and unsupported by data.

The Importance of Voter Turnout

High voter turnout is vital for the health and legitimacy of a democracy. When a significant portion of eligible voters abstain from voting, it can lead to skepticism and distrust in the democratic process. This can result in policy-making that does not reflect the interests of the majority of the population.

Improving voter turnout requires addressing the root causes of apathy and cynicism. Voter education, simplifying the registration process, and ensuring access to polling places are crucial steps. Engaging younger generations and fostering a culture of civic engagement are also essential.

In conclusion, while many factors contribute to low voter turnout, understanding these issues is the first step toward improving democratic participation. By addressing barriers and fostering a sense of civic duty, we can enhance the health and vitality of our democracy.

References

Pew Research Center, Census Bureau, and other credible sources provide the data and statistics mentioned in this article.