Wednesday, October 31, 2012

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #195




VOTER TURNOUT FOR 
THE LAST 
13 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

I don't understand why so few Americans vote. And yet it's true, an amazing number of us don't bother. The largest turnout in modern times was for Kennedy vs. Nixon in 1960, followed closely by Obama vs. McCain in 2008. But even in those two elections, where voter participation was at an all time high, 37% of eligible voters stayed home. What gives?

1) 1960 -- 63.1% Winner: Kennedy

2) 2008 -- 63% Obama

3) 1964 -- 61.9% Johnson

4) 1968 -- 60.8% Nixon

5) 2004 -- 56.2% George W. Bush

6) 1992 -- 55.2% Clinton

7) 1972 -- 55.2% Nixon

8) 1976 -- 53.5% Carter

9) 1984 -- 53.1% Reagan

10) 1980 -- 52.6%  Reagan

11) 2000 -- 50.4% George W. Bush

12) 1988 -- 50.2% George H. W. Bush

13) 1996 -- 49% Clinton

 

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4 comments:

  1. Makes me wonder what the lowest turn out was.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think voting should be mandatory.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I know some people have extenuating circumstances for not voting (health, lack of transportation, emergencies, etc), but I think absentee and early voting are helping to make it easier and possible for more people to vote. Sadly, I have also heard of people not being informed of a change in polling venue and other "intimidation" tactics.
    WordTrix

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think people are afraid to get called for jury duty more than anything. I've heard some lame excuses.

    ReplyDelete

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