Are US voters under 30 less likely to vote than voters over 30?
By Jane Eiswert
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YES
Americans under 30 are significantly less likely to vote than their over-30 counterparts.
The Brookings Institute found that in the 2022 election:
- 31.2% of those 18-29 voted.
- 46.8% of those 30-44 voted.
- 58.3% of those 45-64 voted.
- 66.8% of those 65+ voted.
More people vote in presidential elections than midterm elections. The 2020 election saw the highest turnout in recent U.S. history at 66.8%. Still, young voters were still the least represented.
The Census Bureau found that in the 2020 election:
- 57% of those 18-34 voted
- 69% of those 35-64 voted
- 74% of those 65+ voted
Evidence suggests young people are more likely to vote for the democratic nominee. A 2020 exit poll by CNN shows that 60% of those 18-34 and 47% of those 65+ voted for the democratic nominee, Joe Biden.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
William Frey (Brookings) Turnout Table
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