Final answer:
In the 2012 presidential election, African Americans had the highest voter turnout percentage, marking the first time Black voter turnout surpassed that of White Americans, which was an exception to the typical pattern of higher participation among wealthy, older, and educated White demographics.
Step-by-step explanation:
2012 Presidential Election Voter Turnout by Demographic
In the 2012 presidential election, the demographic group with the highest turnout percentage was African Americans. This marked a historic moment as Black turnout percentage reached an all-time high, surpassing White turnout, during the election that re-elected Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, to office for a second term. The increased voter participation was influenced by various factors including the political significance of President Obama's candidacy and subsequent re-election.
While generally, wealthy, older, and educated White Americans are more likely to turn out to vote, the 2012 election was a notable exception. Further data suggests that voter turnout can be affected by the political culture of a state, with certain groups like Hispanic Americans showing higher turnout in areas where they have historically had greater involvement. It's important to understand that these patterns can shift over time with changing political contexts and candidates.