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Are US voters under 30 less likely to vote than voters over 30?

By Jane Eiswert
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.
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EconoFact is a non-partisan publication designed to bring key facts and incisive analysis to the national debate on economic and social policies. Launched in January 2017, it is written by leading academic economists from across the country who belong to the EconoFact Network. It is published by the Edward R. Murrow Center for a Digital World at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
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