These states had the highest voter turnout in 2024
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About 65% of voting-age Americans cast a ballot in last November's elections, per new U.S. Census Bureau estimates, down from nearly 67% in 2020.
Why it matters: Even in high-stakes presidential elections like we had last year, many Americans simply don't take part — whether out of disinterest or inability.
Zoom in: Washington, D.C. (79.5%), Minnesota (75.9%) and Oregon (75.3%) had the largest shares of voting-age citizens participating in the 2024 election.
- Arkansas (52.8%), Texas (57.9%) and Louisiana (58%) had the lowest.
Between the lines: Lack of participation doesn't necessarily imply voter apathy. Some want to vote but are unable due to work, health issues, etc.
- Some of the top-performing states and areas have vote-by-mail systems, which tend to boost participation. (High-performer Oregon, for example, has been using vote-by-mail in presidential elections since 2000.)
- Nearly 40% of voters cast their ballot in person on Election Day this past November, per the Census Bureau. Nearly 31% voted in person but early, while 29% voted by mail.
The big picture: American presidential elections come down to a handful of "battleground states."
- That creates a sense among other voters that their ballot doesn't matter — at least for the presidential contest.
Yes, but: There are typically still plenty of down-ballot candidates and measures even for those living elsewhere.
The bottom line: U.S. voter turnout hasn't cracked 70% since the dawn of the 20th century — and if this past election couldn't do it, it may never happen again.
