Final answer:
Voter turnout in U.S. presidential elections has averaged 55% to 65% in recent years, lower than some other countries. Turnout varies by age group, with older voters typically participating more than younger ones. Low turnout rates can impact election results and representativeness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Voter turnout in recent U.S. presidential elections has typically ranged between 55% and 65% among voting-age citizens, according to U.S. Census data. This turnout rate is notably lower in comparison to some other developed countries, where rates can reach between 75% and 80%. Factors contributing to this include the optionality of voting, with some nations enacting compulsory voting laws, whereas in the United States and most other countries, individuals have the freedom to choose whether to participate in voting.
Analysis shows that different demographic groups exhibit varying voter turnout rates, with older age groups tending to participate more than younger voters. For instance, voters aged 65 and over have historically shown the highest turnout rates, while voters aged 18 to 29 have the lowest. These turnout patterns can significantly influence election outcomes and reflect the electorate's satisfaction with the candidates. In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a notable percentage of voters expressed dissatisfaction with the major-party candidates, illustrating how voters often perceive their choice as selecting the "lesser of two evils."
Low voter turnout can lead to skewed election results, particularly affecting certain age or socioeconomic groups and challenging the legitimacy and representativeness of the electoral outcomes. Various voting advocacy groups endeavor to improve voter participation through initiatives that support absentee voting, mail-in voting, and voter education.