Final answer:
Voter participation in the U.S. is generally low compared to other countries like Germany, Spain, and France. In U.S. presidential elections, about 55% to 65% of voting-age citizens actually vote. Some countries have compulsory voting laws, resulting in higher turnout.
Step-by-step explanation:
Voter participation in the U.S. is generally low compared to other countries. In U.S. presidential elections, about 55% to 65% of voting-age citizens actually vote, according to the U.S. Census. However, in other countries like Germany, Spain, and France, the share of adults who vote is often higher, ranging from 75% to 80% of those of voting age. Some countries even have compulsory voting laws, which require citizens to vote in elections or pay a fine, resulting in higher turnout. Yet, this is still not comparable to countries with compulsory voting laws or automatic registration like Belgium and Sweden, where participation rates are significantly higher. The freedom to vote in the U.S. inherently includes the freedom not to vote, a principle rooted in the nation's founding.