Vote facts & stats

Question 1

In 2020, about 209 million people were registered to vote for president, and 158.4 million ballots were cast. About what share of registered voters actually voted?

Accepted Answer

about 75.8%. Even among people who bothered to register, roughly a quarter did not end up casting a ballot.

Question 2

In the 2020 election, about what share of ballots were cast before Election Day (early or mail voting), up sharply due to the pandemic?

Accepted Answer

about 69%. Early and mail voting surged in 2020, becoming the way most Americans cast their ballots for the first time.

Question 3

In the 2008 presidential election, about what share of the voting-eligible population voted?

Accepted Answer

about 61.6%. 2008's Obama-McCain election drew one of the higher turnout rates of the early 21st century.

Question 4

Turnout dipped in the 2012 election compared to 2008. About what share of the voting-eligible population voted in 2012?

Accepted Answer

about 58%. Turnout tends to fall somewhat in a president's re-election year compared with the excitement of a first open-seat race.