Are US voters under 30 less likely to vote than voters over 30?
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 history at 66.8%. Still, young voters were still the least represented.
The U.S. 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:
Brookings Institute New voter turnout data from 2022 shows some surprises, including lower turnout for youth, women, and Black Americans in some states
William Frey (Brookings) Turnout Table
US Census Bureau Record High Turnout in 2020 General Election
Brookings Institute Turnout in 2020 election spiked among both Democratic and Republican voting groups, new census data shows
CNN 2020 National Results 2020 President Exit Polls
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