Fact Check: "The 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of about 66.8%."
What We Know
The claim regarding the voter turnout for the 2020 U.S. presidential election suggests that it was approximately 66.8%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the voter turnout for the 2020 election was indeed reported to be around 66.8% of the eligible voting population, which represents the highest percentage of voter turnout for a presidential election in the United States since 1900 (U.S. Census Bureau). This statistic is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including the Pew Research Center, which noted that the turnout was significantly higher than in previous elections (Pew Research Center).
Analysis
The claim about the 66.8% voter turnout is supported by credible data from authoritative organizations. The U.S. Census Bureau is a reliable source, as it is a government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing demographic data. Their report indicates that approximately 159 million Americans voted in the 2020 election, which aligns with the turnout percentage cited in the claim.
Furthermore, the Pew Research Center, known for its rigorous research methodologies, also confirms this turnout figure, providing additional credibility to the claim. Their analysis highlights the factors contributing to the increased voter turnout, such as the contentious nature of the election and the widespread availability of mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Pew Research Center).
While the claim appears to be accurate based on these sources, it is essential to note that the figure is an estimate based on available data, and slight variations may occur depending on the methodology used to calculate voter turnout.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
While the claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of about 66.8% is supported by credible sources, it is categorized as "Unverified" due to the nature of voter turnout statistics, which can be subject to revisions and updates as more data becomes available. The figure is widely accepted and reported, but the exact percentage may vary slightly based on different calculations or updates from authoritative sources.
