May 5, 2025 - News
D.C. leads U.S. in voter turnout
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About 80% of voting-age District residents cast a ballot in last November's elections, per new U.S. Census Bureau estimates — the largest share compared to all the country's states.
Why it matters: That's a much higher percentage than the country at large — about 65% of voting-age Americans voted last year, down from 67% in 2020.
Yes, but: The standard caveat applies when comparing D.C. to states.
- However: Virginia and Maryland both came in high on the list, at 73% and 71%, respectively.
Between the lines: D.C. has a universal vote-by-mail system, which tends to boost participation.
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.