Midterm elections generally have fewer voters than elections that have the presidential race at the top of the ticket. The most recent election in 2018 was no different in that regard. However, the number of voters in 2018 rose 11 percent from the number who cast ballots in 2014. The voter turnout for 2018 was more than 53 percent of the electorate. This was the highest turnout for a midterm election in four decades, and it was a big jump from the record low turnout of 2014. By looking at the demographics, a fuller picture of the electorate emerges.
Younger Voters
In 2018, 36 percent of possible 18- to 29-year-old adults cast a ballot in the midterm. This was the highest turnout for younger voters since at least 1982. Additionally, it was a 79 percent increase from 2014 when only about 20 percent of this segment of the electorate cast a ballot. Since 1980, the turnout for those younger than 29 has been at or below 20 percent. On the younger end of the spectrum, those who were in the next age bracket of 30- to 44-years-old cast ballots at a rate that was 13 percent higher than they recorded in 2014.
Older Voters
In spite of higher turnout among young Americans, those who are more than 60 years of age still make up a disproportionate share of those casting ballots. Seniors made up more than 35 percent of the electorate overall, and about two-thirds of seniors who were eligible cast a ballot. The overall electorate is trending older, but the turnout gap between the youngest voters and the oldest voters narrowed in the most recent midterm election as more younger people showed up at the ballot box.
Minority Voters
Both white and African Americans voters turned out at a rate of more than 50 percent, and both groups also increased their turnout overall in 2018. When it comes to white Americans, 57 percent voted in the midterm while 51 percent of African Americans did. The biggest gains came from among Hispanic and Asian American voters. In 2014, about 27 percent of both groups went to the polls. This number increased to around 40 percent in the most recent election in 2018. By looking at the numbers, it is clear that more Americans across the demographic spectrum voted in 2018.
It is important to vote. Your vote matters. Please vote in 2020.