The 2024 U.S. presidential election has concluded, with over 158 million voters casting ballots, marking the second-highest voter turnout in the past five elections. According to a report issued to Congress by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the overall turnout of 64.7% of the voting-age population represents a slight decline compared to 2020 but still remains the highest on record. The report highlights that more than 85% of the voting-age population was actively registered, indicating a notable increase in voter engagement.
Despite the slight drop in turnout from 2020, the 2024 election saw an increase in in-person voting, with nearly three-quarters of voters casting their ballots at physical polling locations. The EAC noted that 35.2% of voters cast their ballots in person before Election Day, with an additional 37.4% voting on Election Day itself. The remaining 30.3% of voters opted for mail-in ballots, a significant decrease from the 43% who used mail-in voting in 2020, which was heavily influenced by the pandemic.
President Donald Trump successfully returned to the White House, with Republicans securing a majority in the Senate and maintaining their narrow House majority. This outcome marks a significant shift in American political dynamics, with Trump’s re-election indicating strong support for his policies and leadership style. The EAC is noted for providing the most comprehensive data on election administration, which includes state- and local jurisdiction-level details, reinforcing the accuracy and reliability of the reported voter turnout figures.
With the results of the 2024 election now in, attention is turning to the upcoming 2028 presidential election. The report also notes that the EAC’s data provides a robust foundation for understanding voter behavior and election trends, which will be crucial in the lead-up to the next presidential race. As the new administration takes shape, the focus will shift to implementing policies that align with the mandate of the voters.