Final answer:
Younger citizens, particularly those aged 18-29, along with racial and ethnic minorities like Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans, are consistently underrepresented at the voting booth in the United States. Factors contributing to this include historical voting barriers, educational disparities, and varying levels of political engagement. Significant efforts to increase voter participation among these groups have been observed in recent elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When exploring which Americans are underrepresented at the voting booth, certain demographics consistently emerge. Younger voters, especially those in the 18-29 age range, have historically shown lower electoral participation. Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities tend to have lower turnout rates, with White Americans participating at the highest levels compared to Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and other groups. For instance, in 2020, 71% of non-Hispanic White citizens voted, compared to 63% of African Americans, 59% of Asian Americans, and 54% of Hispanic citizens. Factors influencing these disparities include historical voter suppression, socioeconomic status, and the political culture of specific states.
Education also plays a role in voter turnout; individuals with less than a high school degree have some of the lowest turnout rates. Moreover, the lack of trust in the electoral system and disapproval of the candidates are among the primary reasons cited by nonvoters for their lack of participation, pointing to a broader issue of disengagement. However, there have been fluctuations and increases in the participation of these groups, such as the notable increase in Asian American and Pacific Islander voter participation in Georgia during the 2020 election, as well as the historic high turnout of young adults in the 2018 midterm elections.