Nonvoters on why they didn't vote

Critical Analysis

1. Based on the data from the visual above, in 2020 when nonvoters were asked, what was their most common reason for not voting?

2. Based on the data from the visual above, in 2020 what portion of nonvoters reported not voting because registration problems?

3. Based on the data from the visual above, draw a conclusion (Use available information to formulate an accurate statement that demonstrates understanding based on evidence) about the main reason nonvoters did not vote in 2020?

4. Of the reasons for nonvoting from the list above, which of them seem to you like legitimate (reasonable) excuses for nonvoting?

5. 61.3% of the voting age population voted in 2020, a 30-year high. This means that almost 4 out of 10 Americans over the age of 18 did not vote in 2020. If your class follows this trend, what number of the people in your classroom will not vote in elections after they reach 18 years of age?

6. Prior to 2020, 60% of voters cast their ballots in person on Election Day. In response to COVID-19, many states expanded mail-in voting and increased the early voting period to prevent crowding at the polls. With those changes, almost 70% of voters used nontraditional methods to cast their ballots in 2020. Explain how the expansion of nontraditional voting methods impacts voter turnout rates.

7. Make a claim about how the level of nonvoting impacts American Democracy.

8. Based on the visual below* what portion of young people (age 18-24) voted in 2020?

9. Youth voter turnout increased the most of any age group, rising by 10 percentage points compared with the previous presidential election. It’s the second federal election with an increase in youth voter turnout. In the 2018 midterms, youth voter turnout almost doubled from 2014. Yet young voters still turn out the least of all age groups. Seniors turn out at the highest rate, with about 72% voting in 2020, an increase of four percentage points from 2016. Make a claim explaining how low youth-voter turnout impacts government policy.

10. Imagine that you were sitting face to face with someone who said that although they were eligible to vote in the 2022 midterms, they were not going to vote. What would you say to them about whether they should vote?

Learning Extension

Check out all the voting and nonvoting data from USA Facts.

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*