In the 2024 presidential election, about ** percent of voters aged between 18 and 29 participated in the election -- a slight decrease from the previous election year, when about ** percent of youths voted in the election. The highest youth turnout rate was in 1972, when **** percent of voters between the ages of ** and ** voted in the election.

According to post-election polling, Minnesota had the highest voter turnout among residents between 18 and 29 years old, with ** percent voting in the 2024 presidential election. In comparison, Oklahoma and Arkansas saw the lowest youth voter turnout, with ** percent voting in the presidential election.

In U.S. presidential elections since 1964, voters in the 18 to 24 age bracket have traditionally had the lowest turnout rates among all ethnicities. From 1964 until 1996, white voters in this age bracket had the highest turnout rates of the four major ethnic groups in the U.S., particularly those of non-Hispanic origin. However participation was highest among young Black voters in 2008 and 2012, during the elections where Barack Obama, the U.S.' first African-American major party candidate, was nominated. Young Asian American and Hispanic voters generally have the lowest turnout rates, and were frequently below half of the overall 18 to 24 turnout before the 2000s.

Since 1964, voter turnout rates in U.S. presidential elections have generally fluctuated across all age groups, falling to a national low in 1996, before rising again in the past two decades. Since 1988, there has been a direct correlation with voter participation and age, as people become more likely to vote as they get older. Participation among eligible voters under the age of 25 is the lowest of all age groups, and in the 1996 and 2000 elections, fewer than one third of eligible voters under the age of 25 participated, compared with more than two thirds of voters over 65 years.

This statistic shows the response of millennials on who they would vote for if the 2016 U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were held today. Of millennial respondents who are likely to vote, ** percent would vote for Hillary Clinton if the 2016 U.S. presidential election were held at the time of polling.

Youth Voter Turnout

Youth voters (eligible voters from the age of ** to **) are consistently the least represented age group in elections in the United States. Only ** percent of eligible youth voters participated in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. In comparison, ** percent of eligible voters over the age of ** voted in the election. Efforts, such as Rock the Vote, have been made to increase the turnout of youth voters. While an increase in the youth vote is credited with helping President Obama win the U.S. presidential election in 2008 it remains to be seen whether the trend of low turnout will change course in the future. In a recent Harvard Institute of Politics poll of millennials only ** percent of respondents indicated that they would definitely be voting in the 2016 presidential election.

Voter turnout in the United States as a whole is lower than that of other industrialized countries. The total turnout for the 2012 presidential election was just ***** percent of the population. Some of the reasons speculated for the low turnout among millennials are the lack of a national holiday for voting, the often convoluted voter registration process, the frequency of moving that many youth experience during and after their college years, and ironically, feeling as though the government does not address their issues.

This statistic illustrates the youth voter turnout in midterm elections in the United States from 1974 to 2022. In the 2022 midterm election, it is estimated that around ** percent of voters aged between 18 and 29 years old participated in the election.

Psychological theories of political behavior suggest that commitments to perform a certain action can significantly increase the likelihood of such action, but this has rarely been tested in an experimental context. Does pledging to vote increase turnout? In cooperation with the Environmental Defense Fund during the 2016 election, we conduct the first randomized controlled trials testing whether young people who pledge to vote are more likely to turn out than those who are contacted using standard Get-Out-the-Vote materials. Overall, pledging to vote increased voter turnout by 3.7 points among all subjects and 5.6 points for people who had never voted before. These findings lend support for theories of commitment and have practical implications for mobilization efforts aimed at expanding the electorate.

United States presidential elections are quadrennial elections that decide who will be the President and Vice President of the United States for the next four years. Voter turnout has ranged between 54 and 70 percent since 1964, with white voters having the highest voter turnout rate (particularly when those of Hispanic descent are excluded). In recent decades, turnout among black voters has got much closer to the national average, and in 2008 and 2012, the turnout among black voters was higher than the national average, exceeded only by non-Hispanic white voters; this has been attributed to Barack Obama's nomination as the Democratic nominee in these years, where he was the first African American candidate to run as a major party's nominee. Turnout among Asian and Hispanic voters is much lower than the national average, and turnout has even been below half of the national average in some elections. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, such as the absence of voting tradition in some communities or families, the concentration of Asian and Hispanic communities in urban (non-swing) areas, and a disproportionate number of young people (who are less likely to vote).

Following declining voter turnouts throughout the 1990s, the voter turnout at the Canadian general election of 2000 (61 percent) was the lowest on record. It is in this context that Elections Canada developed a research project aimed at evaluating the opinions and attitudes of non-voters, and to provide additional insight into the reasons for non-voting at federal elections. The objective of this research is to assist in further defining and comprehending the phenomenon of non-voting. As part of this project, Decima Research Inc. was commissioned to conduct a survey of Canadians who were eligible electors at the time of the 2000 Canadian general election, including equal proportions of voters and non-voters. The survey covered a variety of socio-demographic, attitudinal, and contextual factors, in order to explain the phenomenon of non-voting in Canadian federal elections.

Effect of treatment and control on voter turnout—Colorado general election.

The Advisory Council for Youth Affairs (NUORA) studied the voting behaviour of Finnish young people in the 1999 parliamentary elections, the 1999 European Parliamentary elections, and the 2000 presidential elections. NUORA wanted to find out which factors contributed to young people's low turnout in elections. The survey studied the respondents' interest in politics, party identification, sources of information on election issues during the parliamentary elections, willingness to talk about politics in general and in connection with elections. The respondents were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed with statements relating to political decision-making, voting, political parties, politicians, and public political influence. Factors influencing the respondents' opinions on parties and politicians were studied (e.g. opinions of friends or parents). The respondents' voting behaviour was charted with questions about candidate choice and voting in the parliamentary elections. Reasons for not voting were surveyed. The respondents were also asked to name which parties they could have voted. Further questions asked which party the respondents' mother and father supported, and whether the parents had given advice on voting. Satisfaction with own and the household's economic situation was charted. Finally, the respondents were asked whether they would give their consent to be contacted in connection with the forthcoming European Parliamentary elections. Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, basic and vocational education, economic activity, housing tenure, household composition, number of children aged under 18 in the household, type of neighbourhood, vocational education of the parents, and whether R, spouse or parents had experienced unemployment, length of unemployment. The dataset also contains several regional variables.

Effect of treatment and control on voter turnout—Pennsylvania primary.

Description: The following topics were covered in this questionnaire: democracy and governance issues, voter registration and participation, general perceptions on voting, voting behaviour and history, media and information issues, satisfaction with institutions, access to services, respondent and household characteristics. This data set contains 3885 cases and 349 variables. Abstract: The overall objective of the 2008 Voter Participation Survey (VPS) was to inform and guide the Electoral Commission (IEC) in its plans, policies and practices in undertaking the 2009 National elections. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the general State of Democracy in South Africa, to determine voting intention and behaviour and to examine the electoral and political involvement ahead of the 2009 National elections. A specific focus of the project was also to determine participation patterns of the youth and other vulnerable groups. In 2008, the Electoral Commission commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to undertake this Voter Participation Survey. Similar surveys have been undertaken prior to the 1999, 2000, 2004, and 2006 elections. These types of Voter Participation Surveys are usually commissioned approximately 5 months prior to the actual elections, to allow the IEC enough time to implement recommendations that might emanate from the research. One of the core aims of the study is to understand what drives participation and how participation rates can be improved, especially given the increasing low voter turnout. Of particular concern is also, whether vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, are provided for during the elections. Specific objectives of the study are to: Evaluate voting behaviour in South Africa and determine public perceptions on their participation in voting for the forthcoming national elections (2009); Determine the public's views on the work of the Electoral Commission as an Elections Management Body; Test the opinion of people on the performance of government, including the role of various institutions; Assess people's level of interest and participation in national elections and political activities in general; Investigate the patterns of participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, including other demographic groups in elections and political activities; and Measure the level of public trust in the EC. The primary objective of Electoral Commission Voter Participation Survey methodologically study. This study issues related to people’s participation in the elections. In meeting this objective, the HSRC conducts this study commissioned by the IEC to obtain reliable scientific information Face-to-face interview

Demographic profile of contacts.

In South Korea's 20th presidential election in 2022, turnout increased among voters older than fifty, while it decreased for all younger age groups. Overall voter turnout was at 77.1 percent, 0.1 percentage points lower than in 2017.

The aim of the survey was to chart Finnish young people's party allegiance, interest in politics, political involvement and voting behaviour in several recent elections. Respondents were asked how interested they are in politics, and how many days a week they listen, watch or read news or current affairs programs/articles. Party allegiance, and frequency of discussing politics with others were investigated. Respondents were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed with a number of statements relating to political efficacy, political influence, political parties, and trust in the government, politicians and political system (e.g. I have no say in what the government or Parliament decide; Political parties are only interested in people's votes, not in their opinions). Certainty of voting in the next Parliamentary elections was covered. The survey studied respondents' voting, and candidate and party choices in the 1995 Finnish Parliamentary elections, the 1994 presidential elections, the 1994 EU membership referendum, the 1996 municipal and European Parliament elections. Reasons for not voting were investigated. Respondents were also asked how well they knew the candidate they had voted for in the municipal elections. One question asked whether someone had urged the respondent to vote. General satisfaction with life, satisfaction with own economic situation, and satisfaction with the current government (Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen) were surveyed. Views on Finland's EU membership were probed. The respondent's and household members' experiences and periods of unemployment were charted, likewise how common unemployment was in the neighbourhood. Background variables included respondent's economic activity, occupational group, gender, age, type of place of residence, region of residence, and vocational education of respondent and parents.

Description: Topics covered in the questionnaire are: democracy and governance issues, attitudes towards government performance, identity documents, voter registration, voting history, most recent voting experience, voting irregularities, general perceptions on voting, electronic voting, perceptions on voting in terms of special groups, media and information issues with regard to the profile of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), voter education, interest in social/cultural/religious organisations, political participation. Of the targeted population of 3500, 2761 responses (79%) was realized. The data set for dissemination contains 2761 cases and 602 variables. Abstract: The overall objective of the 2018 Voter Participation Survey (VPS) is to inform and guide the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in its plans, policies and practices in undertaking the 2019 national elections. The specific objectives of the study are to evaluate the general state of democracy in South Africa, to determine voting intention and behaviour and to examine the electoral and political involvement ahead of the 2019 national elections. A specific focus of the project is also to determine participation patterns of the youth and other vulnerable groups. In 2018, the IEC appointed the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to undertake this Voter Participation Survey. Similar surveys have been undertaken prior to the 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016 elections. These types of Voter Participation Surveys are usually commissioned approximately 5 months prior to the actual elections, to allow the IEC enough time to implement recommendations that might emanate from the research. One of the core aims of the study is to understand what drives participation and how participation rates can be improved, especially given the increasing low voter turnout. Of particular concern is also whether vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, are provided for during the elections. Specific objectives of the study are to: Evaluate voting behaviour in South Africa and determine public perceptions on their participation in voting for the forthcoming national elections (2019). Determine the public’s views on the work of the IEC as an elections management body. Test the opinion of people on the performance of government, including the role of various institutions. Assess people’s level of interest and participation in national elections and political activities in general. Investigate the patterns of participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, including other demographic groups in elections and political activities; and

The survey charted young adults' attitudes towards politics, their opinions on the principal issues in politics, and their views on the current political questions. The respondents' interest in politics was queried, as well as how firm the respondents considered their political views and party preference to be. They were also presented with a set of attitudinal statements on topics such as voting, political parties, the Government, political system in Finland, politicians, values, the EU, development aid, immigrants, leadership, democracy, large-scale enterprises, welfare state, social benefits, traditional Finnish values, law, equality between men and women, animal rights, patriotism, and competition. Background variables included the respondent's municipality of residence, gender, age, marital status, type of accommodation, education level, duration of residence in the current municipality, and socio-economic status. Those who were employed were asked about their industry of employment and occupational status, students were asked about their educational institution and main subject, and those who were unemployed were in turn asked about the duration of unemployment during the past two years. Additional background variables included membership in various organisations or associations (e.g. sports clubs, youth organisations, student associations), how citizens should relate to elections and voting, whether R were going to use the right to vote in the future, which party R would vote for in parliamentary elections, which party R voted for in the recent municipal elections, and which candidate R is going to vote for in the upcoming 2000 presidential elections.

Description: Topics covered in the questionnaire are: democracy and governance issues, municipal attitudes and performance, Identity documents, voter registration, voting history, most recent voting experience, voting irregularities, general perceptions on voting, electronic voting, perceptions of voting in terms of special groups, media and information issues with regard to the profile of the electoral commission, voter education, interest in social/cultural/religious organisations. Of the targeted population of 3500, 2976 responses (85%) was realized. The data set for dissemination contains 2976 cases and 579 variables Abstract: The Electoral Commission's Voter Participation Survey (VPS) is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey that was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) between October and December 2015. The study aims to inform and guide the Commission with its plans, policies, and practices by evaluating voting behaviour and interest ahead of the 2016 local government elections. In this study, the broader political landscape in South Africa is examined together with factors that might impact voting behaviour, such as perception about the performance of government and attitudes towards democratic values. Specific issues, such as the involvement of women, youth and persons with disabilities in elections, are also examined. For this study, 500 Population Census Small Area Layers (SALs) were sampled as primary sampling units, stratified by province, geographical sub-type, and majority population group. A total of 2,976 individuals aged 16 and older were interviewed in households which are geographically spread across the country's nine provinces. The data are weighted and benchmarked to Statistics South Africa's mid-year population estimates for 2015 to ensure that the results are representative of the population older than 15 years. Adherence to ethical and quality protocols was stringent. This survey represents the views of 37 320 005 South Africans of 16 years and older. Face-to-face interview National Population: Adults (aged 16 and older). SASAS has been designed to yield a representative sample of 3500 adult South African citizens aged 16 and older (with no upper age limit), in households geographically spread across the country's nine provinces. The sampling frame used for the survey was based on the 2011 census and a set of small area layers (SALs). Estimates of the population numbers for various categories of the census variables were obtained per SAL. In this sampling frame special institutions (such as hospitals, military camps, old age homes, schools and university hostels), recreational areas, industrial areas and vacant SALs were excluded prior to the drawing of the sample. Small area layers (SALs) were used as primary sampling units and the estimated number of dwelling units (taken as visiting points) in the SALs as secondary sampling units. In the first sampling stage the primary sampling units (SALs) were drawn with probability proportional to size, using the estimated number of dwelling units in an SAL as measure of size. The dwelling units as secondary sampling units were defined as "separate (non-vacant) residential stands, addresses, structures, flats, homesteads, etc." In the second sampling stage a predetermined number of individual dwelling units (or visiting points) were drawn with equal probability in each of the drawn dwelling units. Finally, in the third sampling stage a person was drawn with equal probability from all 16 year and older persons in the drawn dwelling units. Three explicit stratification variables were used, namely province, geographic type and majority population group. As stated earlier, within each stratum, the allocated number of primary sampling units (which could differ between different strata) was drawn using proportional to size probability sampling with the estimated number of dwelling units in the primary sampling units as measure of size. In each of these drawn primary sampling units, seven dwelling units were drawn. This resulted in a sample of 3500 individuals. A list of the 500 drawn SALs were given to geographic information specialists (GIS) and maps were then created for each of the 500 areas, indicating certain navigational beacons such as schools, roads churches etc. Selection of individuals: For each of the SASAS samples interviewers visited each visiting point drawn in the SALs (PSU) and listed all eligible persons for inclusion in the sample, that is all persons currently aged 16 years or older and resident at the selected visiting point. The interviewer then selected one respondent using a random selection procedure based on a Kish grid.

As of October 2025, the political party that 18 to 24 year-old's in Great Britain would be most likely to vote for was the Labour Party, at 30 percent, with Labour also the joint-most popular party among those aged 25 to 49 along with Reform UK. Reform was the most popular party for the 50 to 64 age group, with 32 percent of voters saying they would vote for them. For the oldest age group, Reform was also the most popular, with 31 percent of over 65s intending to vote for them. Reform surge in the polls Since winning the last UK general election in July 2024, the ruling Labour Party have steadily become more unpopular among voters. After winning 33.7 percent of the vote in that election, the party was polling at 24 percent in April 2025, only slightly ahead of Reform UK on 23 percent. A right-wing populist party, Reform benefited from the collapse in support for the center-right Conservative Party in the last election, winning several seats at their expense. While the next UK general election is not due to be held until 2029, the government will be keen to address their collapsing approval ratings, in the face of Reform's rising support. Economic headaches for Labour in 2025 Although Labour inherited a growing economy, with falling inflation, and low unemployment from the Conservatives, the overall economic outlook for the UK is still quite gloomy. The country's government debt is around 100 percent of GDP, and without large tax rises and spending cuts, the government hopes to create a stronger, more resilient economy to reduce the deficit. While this is still a possibility, the UK's economic prospects for 2025 were recently slashed, with growth of one percent forecast, down from an earlier prediction of two percent. Although mainly due to external factors such as the threat of increasing tariffs, and general geopolitical instability, the UK's faltering economy will add further problems to the embattled government.