Midterm Election Turnout Rates

Critical Analysis

1. Based on the data from the visual above, in 2018, the most recent midterm election, what portion of the voting-age population voted?

2. Based on the data from the visual above, approximately what was the highest portion of the voting-age population that voted in any midterm election?

3. Based on the data from the visual above, describe one trend in voting-age population turnout in midterm elections over the past 50 years.

4. What do you think explains that trend in midterm election voter turnout?

5. Based on the visual below*, how does voter turnout in presidential elections compare to that of midterm elections?

6. Why do you think that is?

7. What is one consequence of generally low voter turnout in midterm elections?

8. Based on the visuals below* how do demographic features like age and race impact voting turnout in midterm elections?

9. In many states felons cannot vote. Identify any other types of people who are not eligible to vote in American federal elections?

10. Based on the data above and below and your knowledge of American politics, what do you predict the voter turnout of voting-age population will be in the 2022 midterm elections?

    Learning Extension

    Listen to this NPR analysis of midterm election voter turnout.

Action Extension

If you will be 18 years old by Tuesday, November 8 then take two minutes and register to vote online. If you are too young to vote this year then find someone who is old enough and convince them to register.

Visual Extension*