How Many People Voted in 2024? Analyzing Voter Turnout and Key Trends

 

The 2024 United States presidential election has concluded, marking another historical moment in American politics. With former President Donald Trump reclaiming the White House, this election cycle has attracted attention not only for its outcome but also for the remarkable voter turnout. Understanding how many people voted in 2024, as well as comparing voter turnout in 2024 vs 2020, provides valuable insights into emerging trends in American democracy. This article explores turnout rates, demographic shifts, and the factors that defined the 2024 voting landscape.

How Many People Voted in 2024?

In the 2024 election, around 158 million Americans cast their ballots, representing a national turnout rate of approximately 64.5% among eligible voters. Although final tallies are still pending as mail-in ballots continue to be counted, the preliminary turnout reflects a slight decline from the 2020 election, where a record-breaking 65.9% of eligible Americans voted. Despite this dip, voter turnout in 2024 remains one of the highest in recent decades, underscoring sustained civic engagement in a polarized political environment.

Voter Turnout in 2024 vs. 2020

The 2024 voter turnout closely resembles that of the previous election, yet some states saw notable shifts. For instance, Minnesota led the nation with a turnout rate of 76.5%, although this was a drop from the state’s turnout in 2020. Conversely, Oklahoma, a stronghold for the Republican Party, recorded the lowest turnout at 53.3%—an improvement from the state’s turnout in 2016 but still trailing the national average. These variations suggest that while voter engagement remains high, the enthusiasm observed in 2020 did not fully carry over into 2024 in all states.

Key Factors Influencing Voter Turnout in 2024

Several factors contributed to the 2024 voter turnout, reflecting changing voter priorities and political dynamics:

1. High-Stakes Elections: The 2024 presidential race, pitting Kamala Harris against Donald Trump, was pivotal. Many Americans viewed this election as crucial for the direction of the country, particularly in terms of economic policy, healthcare, and social issues.
2. Expanded Voting Options: Since 2020, states have made significant strides in providing flexible voting options. In 2024, only three states—Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire—did not offer early in-person voting. Nearly half of all early votes were cast through in-person voting, contrasting with the pandemic-driven reliance on mail-in ballots in 2020.
3. New Voting Restrictions: While voting accessibility has generally improved, some states have implemented stricter identification requirements. These changes affected in-person voting turnout in certain states, particularly in regions with historically high levels of early voting.

Comparing Early Voting in 2024 and 2020

The early vote count for 2024 reached 76 million, or about 49% of the total votes cast in 2020. While this number is below the unprecedented 2020 early vote count (which accounted for 63% of total votes due to the pandemic), it remains a significant share of overall turnout. The near-equal distribution of mail-in and in-person early votes highlights a return to pre-pandemic voting patterns, where in-person early voting typically outweighed mail-in ballots.

Demographic Shifts in the 2024 Election

Demographic analysis of the 2024 electorate reveals several interesting trends:

1. Gender and Racial Divides: The gender gap in 2024 voting was narrower than expected. Kamala Harris won 54% of women’s votes, while Trump received 44%. Though Harris led among Black and Hispanic voters, Trump saw substantial gains among Latino men, with an 18-point increase in this group compared to 2020. Similarly, one in five Black men voted for Trump, underscoring a shift within traditionally Democratic demographics.
2. Youth Voting Patterns: Younger voters leaned toward Harris in most states, but Democratic support among the 18-29 age group declined significantly in battleground areas like Michigan. In 2020, 61% of this demographic backed Joe Biden, whereas only 46% supported Harris in 2024, reflecting a drop in enthusiasm.
3. Educational Divide: Voters with a college degree largely favored Harris, while those without a degree leaned toward Trump. This education-based divide aligns with previous election trends, but the 2024 results show an even stronger alignment between educational background and party preference.

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Key States and Their Influence on the 2024 Presidential Outcome

Swing states played a decisive role in determining the 2024 presidential outcome. Donald Trump secured victories in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—states that Biden had won in 2020. Trump’s success in these states provided him with the electoral edge needed to reclaim the White House, surpassing the necessary 270 electoral college votes with a confirmed total of 295. Arizona and Nevada remain uncalled, but Trump currently leads in both, further solidifying his electoral margin.

Senate and House Races: Republican Gains

The 2024 election results have implications beyond the presidency. Republicans gained control of the Senate, securing 52 seats to the Democrats’ 45, with three seats still uncalled. The Senate majority enables Republicans to approve appointments and influence budget decisions, though reaching the 60-vote threshold necessary to pass most legislation remains unlikely.

The House of Representatives remains undetermined, with 28 seats still undecided. Republicans currently hold 211 seats compared to 203 held by Democrats. If Republicans secure a majority in the House, they would achieve unified control of the presidency, Senate, and House, creating a “triple threat” scenario last seen during the early years of the Trump and Biden administrations. This alignment would afford the Republican Party significant influence over the legislative agenda in the coming years.

Conclusion: The 2024 Election and Voter Turnout Legacy

The 2024 voter turnout offers a mixed narrative—high by historical standards but slightly lower than the extraordinary participation seen in 2020. With 158 million votes cast, reflecting a turnout rate of 64.5%, American voters demonstrated robust engagement amid political polarization. However, the enthusiasm gap between 2020 and 2024, along with demographic shifts, highlights evolving priorities and challenges for both parties.

The 2024 election also underscores the importance of accessible voting methods, as states continue to expand early voting options while introducing new regulations. As America moves forward, these turnout patterns and demographic shifts will shape future elections, with both major parties likely reassessing their strategies to engage an electorate increasingly divided by education, age, and race.

In summary, how many people voted in 2024 reveals not only the number of engaged citizens but also the undercurrents of change in American political life. This year’s turnout, while slightly lower than 2020, underscores the sustained impact of accessible voting options and reflects a politically engaged public navigating a polarized landscape.