SPOKANE, Wash. – As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, voter turnout trends are coming into focus. Historically, presidential election years see higher voter participation, while off-years experience lower turnout.
According to a Pew Research study, Americans over 50 are more consistent voters compared to younger individuals. The Pew Research report, released in 2023, analyzed voter participation in the off-election years of 2018 and 2022. It found that over 60 percent of eligible voters under 50 chose not to vote in those years. A significant number of those who skipped voting did not hold a college degree.
In Washington, the latest early ballot return numbers from the Secretary of State’s website suggest older than 55 years old voter at rates more than double people less than 35 years old
Some young local voters expressed frustration about the impact of their vote.
“Yeah, filled out the ballot. Haven’t dropped it off yet,” 29-year-old Ethan Havener said. “I think on a large scale, it matters. More so for local stuff.”
Waleed Afzal, a 21-year-old voter, said he already voted but many of his peers have not.
“Yeah a lot of them are jaded and apathetic cause they don’t like the system. And I agree with them,” Afzal said.
These attitudes do not come as a surprise to Gonzaga University Assistant Political Science professor Sarah James. She points out young voters – particularly college aged – only know of a combative political climate.
It unattractive to participate in that system to a lot of people.
“Therefore, [some of them] protest this by either not participating or by procrastinating more than usual,’ James said.
Statewide, early voting numbers overall have decreased by nearly 18% compared to this point in time leading up the last presidential election in 2020. The trend is similar in Spokane County, with slightly better turnout accounting for a 14% dip.
“I think nationwide, we’re seeing a movement around who is feeling motivated to vote early versus not,” James said.
The 2024 Presidential Election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 4.
