Fact Check: The 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of approximately 66.8%.

Fact Check: "The 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of approximately 66.8%."

What We Know

The claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of approximately 66.8% is supported by data from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to a report from the Census, the 2020 election saw a turnout of 66.8% of citizens aged 18 and older, marking the highest voter turnout of the 21st century (Census.gov). This figure represents an increase of 5 percentage points from the 2016 election, where 61.3% of eligible voters participated (Census.gov).

The total number of voters in 2020 was approximately 155 million, which is 17 million more than in 2016 (Census.gov). The increase in turnout was attributed to various factors, including expanded access to voting methods such as mail-in ballots and early voting, which were particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis

The data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is considered reliable due to its comprehensive nature and the rigorous methodology employed in collecting the information. The Current Population Survey's Voting and Registration Supplement, which forms the basis of these statistics, is a well-established source for understanding voting behavior in the U.S. (Census.gov).

Additionally, independent analyses from reputable sources, such as the Washington Post, corroborate the Census data, noting that the 2020 election turnout was indeed the highest in over a century, with approximately two-thirds of the voting-eligible population participating (Washington Post).

While some alternative sources, such as Wikipedia and Pew Research, provide context and historical comparisons, they largely echo the findings of the Census Bureau regarding the turnout percentage (Wikipedia, Pew Research).

The consistency across multiple credible sources strengthens the validity of the turnout figure, while the Census Bureau's long-standing reputation for accuracy in demographic data further supports the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of approximately 66.8% is accurate. The data from the U.S. Census Bureau, corroborated by various independent analyses, confirms this figure, highlighting the election's record turnout amidst unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fact Check: The 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of approximately 66.8%.