How does race impact voter turnout?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
According to the data from the visual above, about what percent of Whites voted in the 2000 election?
According to the data from the visual above, about what percent of Blacks voted in the 2012 election?
According to the data from the visual above, what racial group had the consistently lowest voter turnout rate since 1980?
Describe the overall trend in voter turnout for all voters since 1980.
What year had the highest voter turnout for all voters since 1980 and what was the approximate voter turnout rate that year?
According to the data from the visual above, describe how race effects voter turnout rates.
According to the data form the visual below* there is a large racial voter registration gap. How do you think the voter registration gap influences the overall racial voting gap?
With a few exceptions, White voters tend to vote for Republican presidential candidates, and voters of color tend to vote for Democratic candidates (see image below*). Why do you think that is?
Make a claim about what would happen if voting rates based on race were flipped (i.e., Hispanics voted the most; and Whites voted the least).
Based on the data in the visual above, make a claim about what happened with voter turnout and race in the 2024 election.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Get educated (18 years). Register to vote online (two minutes). Vote in upcoming elections.
Get Creative
I had AI write a sonnet about the joys of voting. See if you can do better on your own or with AI’s help.
The Joy of Voting
A sacred right, a voice that echoes clear,
In every ballot cast, a future's born.
With pen in hand, we banish doubt and fear,
And shape the world with hope, come every morn.
No tyrant's whim, no despot's iron fist,
Can steal the power that in freedom lies.
With every vote, a nation's soul persists,
And liberty's bright banner fills the skies.
Oh, let us cherish this, our solemn trust,
To choose the path that leads to common good.
For in our hands, the future is adjust,
And progress marches where our fathers stood.
So let us vote with hearts both brave and true,
And build a world where dreams can all come true.