x(563).png "U.S.: Number of Registered Voters, by year"){kind=logo}
| Year | Number of registered voters, in millions |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 161.42 |
| 2020 | 168.31 |
| 2018 | 153.07 |
| 2016 | 157.60 |
| 2014 | 142.17 |
| 2012 | 153.16 |
| 2010 | 137.26 |
| 2008 | 146.31 |
| 2004 | 142.07 |
| 2000 | 129.55 |
| 1996 | 127.66 |
- Region: United States
- Time period: 1996 to 2022
- Published: May 2023
Data Analysis and Insights
Highest Number of Registered Voters in 2020
The year 2020 recorded the highest number of registered voters with 168.31 million, reflecting a significant engagement during the presidential election year.Decrease in Registered Voters in 2022
2022 saw a decrease in registered voters to 161.42 million, marking a reduction from the peak observed in 2020.Steady Increase in Voter Registration from 1996 to 2020
Voter registration experienced a steady increase over the years, growing from 127.66 million in 1996 to 168.31 million in 2020, demonstrating a growing political engagement among Americans.Lowest Number of Registered Voters in 1996
The lowest number of registered voters was in 1996, with only 127.66 million, indicating a starting point for voter registration growth over the subsequent years.Significant Growth in Voter Registration Over Two Decades
Between 2000 and 2020, the number of registered voters increased by nearly 38.76 million, showcasing a substantial rise in voter participation over two decades.Election Years Show Notable Increases in Registration
Election years like 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 show notable increases in voter registration, emphasizing the impact of presidential elections on voter engagement.Minimal Growth Between Midterm Elections
The growth in registered voters between the midterm elections of 2014 and 2018 was modest, with an increase of only 10.9 million, reflecting a lower engagement compared to presidential election years.Frequently Asked Questions
What year recorded the highest number of registered voters?
The year 2020 recorded the highest number of registered voters with 168.31 million.
How has the number of registered voters changed between 1996 and 2020?
The number of registered voters has seen a steady increase from 127.66 million in 1996 to 168.31 million in 2020.
Which year had the lowest number of registered voters?
The lowest number of registered voters was in the year 1996 with 127.66 million.
Terms and Definitions
A registered voter refers to an individual who is legally qualified and has completed the required process to participate in an election in the United States. The process involves confirming eligibility such as their age, residency, and citizenship status, and listing their information with the relevant electoral body.
Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. This measure provides an indication of the level of public engagement and interest in an election. It is worth noting that not all registered voters may turn out to vote.
The term election cycle refers to the two-year period between general elections in the United States where federal offices such as Congressional, Presidential and some state and local offices are voted upon.
A general election is an election in which representatives are chosen in all constituencies of a state. In the United States, the Presidential election, which occurs every four years, is a type of general election. Other types include mid-term elections held for Congressional seats every two years, and state and local elections which can occur annually or biennially.
Eligible voters refer to individuals who meet the legal criteria to vote but may or may not be registered. The criteria typically include being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of the state where they intend to vote, with specific rules varying by state.
An electoral roll is a list of individuals who are registered to vote in a specific area or district. Each listed individual is eligible to vote in the area where they are registered.
Partisan affiliation refers to an individual's stated preference or identification with a particular political party, such as the Democratic Party or Republican Party in the United States.
Voter suppression is a strategy to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing specific groups of people from voting. Such practices can lead to disparities in the number of registered voters and the enrollment on electoral rolls.
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