Fact Check: 64% of eligible Americans voted in 2024, the second highest since 1960.

Fact Check: "64% of eligible Americans voted in 2024, the second highest since 1960."

What We Know

The claim states that 64% of eligible Americans voted in the 2024 election, marking it as the second highest voter turnout since 1960. According to various sources, including a report from the UF Election Lab and a study by Hajnal and Green, the estimated voter turnout for the 2024 election is indeed around 64%. This figure is corroborated by NPR, which notes that this turnout is among the highest in the past 120 years. However, it is essential to clarify that while 64% is a significant turnout, it is lower than the 66.6% turnout recorded in the 2020 election, which was the highest since 1900.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple credible sources. The UF Election Lab provides estimates that are subject to revision as more data become available, indicating that the reported turnout is based on preliminary figures. The report by Hajnal and Green also supports the 64% turnout figure, emphasizing the high urban turnout compared to local elections. Furthermore, NPR reinforces this by stating that the 64% turnout is the second highest in recent history, though it does not specify the exact rankings beyond 1960.

However, it is important to note that the claim of being the "second highest since 1960" requires careful consideration. While the 64% figure is accurate, the context of historical turnout rates is crucial. The Wikipedia page on voter turnout indicates that the 2020 election had a higher turnout rate than 2024, which complicates the assertion of 2024 being the second highest. Additionally, Ballotpedia reports a turnout of 63.7%, slightly lower than the 64% cited in the claim, which suggests that the numbers may vary slightly based on the source and the methodology used to calculate eligible voters.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the claim that 64% of eligible Americans voted in 2024 is supported by several sources, the assertion that this is the second highest turnout since 1960 is questionable. The 2020 election had a higher turnout, and the precise ranking of voter turnout across decades requires more comprehensive historical data analysis. Therefore, further research is needed to clarify the context and accuracy of the claim regarding historical turnout comparisons.

Fact Check: 64% of eligible Americans voted in 2024, the second highest since 1960.