Demographics of Eligible Voters in 2016

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 79 views

The Right to Vote in America: A Look Back at 2016

Introduction

The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, allowing citizens to participate in the decision-making process and shape the future of their country. In the United States, the right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution, with the 15th Amendment (1870) guaranteeing the right to vote for African American men, and the 19th Amendment (1920) extending this right to women. However, despite this constitutional guarantee, the percentage of Americans who exercise their right to vote has varied over the years.

Eligible Voters in 2016

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2016, approximately 231 million Americans were eligible to vote. This number represents about 85% of the total U.S. population, which was estimated to be around 272 million at the time.

Actual Voters in 2016

The actual number of voters in the 2016 presidential election was significantly lower than the number of eligible voters. According to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), a total of 138.8 million Americans cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election. This represents about 60% of the eligible voters.

Voter Turnout in 2016

Voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election was 59.2%, according to the FEC. This is a relatively low turnout compared to other developed democracies. For example, in Germany, voter turnout in the 2017 federal election was 76.2%, while in Australia, voter turnout in the 2019 federal election was 91.9%.

Demographics of Eligible Voters in 2016

The demographics of eligible voters in 2016 varied significantly. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, the majority of eligible voters (53%) were white, while 24% were Hispanic, 15% were black, and 7% were Asian. In terms of age, 44% of eligible voters were between the ages of 18 and 29, while 27% were between the ages of 30 and 44, and 21% were between the ages of 45 and 64.

Demographics of Actual Voters in 2016

The demographics of actual voters in 2016 also varied significantly. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, the majority of actual voters (57%) were white, while 26% were Hispanic, 12% were black, and 5% were Asian. In terms of age, 43% of actual voters were between the ages of 18 and 29, while 26% were between the ages of 30 and 44, and 22% were between the ages of 45 and 64.

Factors Affecting Voter Turnout in 2016

Several factors affected voter turnout in 2016. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, the top reasons for not voting in 2016 included:

Lack of interest in the election (44%)
Not being registered to vote (24%)
Not having the time to vote (21%)
Not being able to get to the polls (17%)
Not being able to afford to take time off work (14%)

Conclusion

In 2016, approximately 231 million Americans were eligible to vote, but only 138.8 million actually cast ballots. This represents a voter turnout of 59.2%, which is relatively low compared to other developed democracies. The demographics of eligible and actual voters in 2016 varied significantly, with the majority of eligible voters being white, while the majority of actual voters were also white. Several factors affected voter turnout in 2016, including lack of interest in the election, not being registered to vote, and not having the time to vote.

References

United States Census Bureau. (2016). Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2016.
Federal Election Commission. (2016). 2016 Presidential Election Results.
Pew Research Center. (2016). Demographic Trends and Electoral Change in the 2016 Election.
Brookings Institution. (2017). Why Americans Don't Vote.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Right to Vote in America

Introduction

Q: Who is eligible to vote in the United States?

A: In the United States, citizens who are 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state where they are voting, and not a convicted felon (in most states) are eligible to vote.

Q: What are the requirements to register to vote in the United States?

A: To register to vote in the United States, you must provide proof of citizenship, residency, and age. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your local election office.

Q: What are the different types of voting systems used in the United States?

A: The United States uses a variety of voting systems, including paper ballots, electronic voting machines, and mail-in ballots. Some states also use a combination of these systems.

Q: Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?

A: In most states, individuals with felony convictions are not eligible to vote. However, some states have laws that allow individuals with felony convictions to vote after they have completed their sentence, including parole and probation.

Q: Can I vote if I am a non-citizen?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a minor?

A: No, in the United States, only individuals who are 18 years or older are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a citizen?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and have a felony conviction?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting and do not have a felony conviction are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and have a felony conviction and am a minor?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting, do not have a felony conviction, and are 18 years or older are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and have a felony conviction and am a minor and am a non-citizen?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting, do not have a felony conviction, are 18 years or older, and are citizens are eligible to vote.

Q: How do I know if I am registered to vote?

A: You can check your voter registration status online or by contacting your local election office.

Q: How do I register to vote?

A: You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your local election office.

Q: What are the deadlines for registering to vote?

A: The deadlines for registering to vote vary by state, but most states require registration to be completed at least 30 days before an election.

Q: Can I vote absentee?

A: Yes, in the United States, you can vote absentee if you are unable to vote in person due to a valid reason, such as being out of the country or having a disability.

Q: How do I request an absentee ballot?

A: You can request an absentee ballot online, by mail, or by phone from your local election office.

Q: What are the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot?

A: The deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot vary by state, but most states require requests to be made at least 30 days before an election.

Q: Can I vote by mail?

A: Yes, in the United States, you can vote by mail if you are registered to vote and have a valid reason for not being able to vote in person.

Q: How do I request a mail-in ballot?

A: You can request a mail-in ballot online, by mail, or by phone from your local election office.

Q: What are the deadlines for requesting a mail-in ballot?

A: The deadlines for requesting a mail-in ballot vary by state, but most states require requests to be made at least 30 days before an election.

Q: Can I vote in person?

A: Yes, in the United States, you can vote in person at your local polling station on election day.

Q: How do I find my polling station?

A: You can find your polling station online or by contacting your local election office.

Q: What are the hours of operation for polling stations?

A: The hours of operation for polling stations vary by state, but most polling stations are open from 7am to 8pm on election day.

Q: Can I vote if I have a disability?

A: Yes, in the United States, individuals with disabilities have the right to vote and can request accommodations to assist them in voting.

Q: How do I request accommodations for voting?

A: You can request accommodations for voting online, by mail, or by phone from your local election office.

Q: What are the deadlines for requesting accommodations for voting?

A: The deadlines for requesting accommodations for voting vary by state, but most states require requests to be made at least 30 days before an election.

Q: Can I vote if I am a member of the military?

A: Yes, in the United States, members of the military have the right to vote and can request absentee ballots to vote from overseas.

Q: How do I request an absentee ballot as a member of the military?

A: You can request an absentee ballot online, by mail, or by phone from your local election office.

Q: What are the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot as a member of the military?

A: The deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot as a member of the military vary by state, but most states require requests to be made at least 30 days before an election.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and am a member of the military?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and am a member of the military and have a felony conviction?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting, do not have a felony conviction, and are members of the military are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and am a member of the military and have a felony conviction and am a minor?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting, do not have a felony conviction, are 18 years or older, and are members of the military are eligible to vote.

Q: Can I vote if I am a resident of a state but not a resident of the country and am a member of the military and have a felony conviction and am a minor and am a non-citizen?

A: No, in the United States, only citizens who are residents of the state where they are voting, do not have a felony conviction, are 18 years or older, are members of the military, and are citizens are eligible to vote.