Fact Check: The 2020 U.S. presidential election had the highest voter turnout in over a century.

Fact Check: "The 2020 U.S. presidential election had the highest voter turnout in over a century."

What We Know

The claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election had the highest voter turnout in over a century is nuanced. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 election did indeed see a record high turnout for the 21st century, with approximately 66.8% of citizens aged 18 and older participating in the election, which marked a 5 percentage point increase from the 2016 election (Census.gov). This election also featured the largest increase in voters between two presidential elections on record, with 17 million more people voting than in 2016 (Census.gov).

However, historical context is essential. The highest voter turnout percentages in U.S. history occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, the 1876 election had a turnout of about 81.8%, and the 1900 election had a turnout of around 73.7% (Wikipedia). Thus, while 2020 had the highest turnout in recent decades, it does not surpass the turnout rates of earlier elections.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a credible authority on demographic and electoral statistics. The Census Bureau's data indicates that voter turnout in 2020 was the highest of the 21st century, reflecting significant engagement among various demographic groups, including increases in turnout among non-Hispanic Black and Asian voters (Census.gov).

However, the claim's assertion of being the highest in "over a century" is misleading when considering the historical data. The peak turnout rates from the 19th century remain significantly higher than those observed in 2020 (Wikipedia). Additionally, a report from the Washington Post emphasizes that while 2020 saw record turnout for modern elections, it does not come close to the all-time records set in the past (Washington Post).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, particularly for the Census Bureau, which employs rigorous methodologies to collect and report data. However, the historical context provided by sources like Wikipedia and the Washington Post is also essential for understanding the broader picture of voter turnout trends over time.

Conclusion

The claim that "The 2020 U.S. presidential election had the highest voter turnout in over a century" is Partially True. While the 2020 election did achieve the highest turnout of the 21st century and marked significant increases in voter participation across various demographics, it did not surpass the turnout rates of earlier elections in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore, the claim lacks accuracy in its historical context.

Fact Check: The 2020 U.S. presidential election had the highest voter turnout in over a century.