Before the elections in the USA, I think it makes sense to clarify some figures related to the electoral situation in the USA.
This is particularly important in view of the fact that some media – whether because of difficulties in translation or because of a “spoiled phone” link chain – give different figures and percentages that are misleading.
The population of the USA is approximately 328.5 million people.
There are approximately 237.4 million US citizens who have reached the age of 18, minus the number of disenfranchised people (e.g. serving prison sentences).
There are 156 million registered voters in the USA.
To vote, a US citizen must register as a voter. This must be done in the county and state where the person lives.
The average voter turnout in a presidential election year is usually 125-130 million people. In particular, 136.6 million Americans voted in 2016 (128.8 million of them for Trump and Clinton).
However, this year’s turnout could break all conceivable records. More than 90 million people have already voted, which is more than half of all registered voters, or approximately 58% of all potentially eligible Americans.
Altogether, this election cycle can be voted on:
– from 135 million people, i.e. more than half of all registered voters or approximately 58% of all Americans with potential voting rights. – 86.5% of the registered voters and 57% of the total number of people with voting rights.
– up to 150 million people. – 96% of registered voters and 63.2% of the total number of people with a vote.
When registering, a US citizen must indicate his or her party affiliation. You can register as a Republican, Democrat or any other party (Libertarian, Green Party, etc.) officially registered in the state. You can also specify an “independent” party.
Thus, it is currently registered in the USA:
– 26% of Republicans,
– 31% of democrats,
– 38% of those who did not join (independent),
– 5% of voters from other parties.
These figures should not be confused with those of the polls that give figures for political preferences. These statistics include both non-aligned and Republican parties, non-aligned and Democratic parties and Democrats who are ready to vote for the Republican candidate.
Why does it say “approximately” around here? Because it says “approximately”:
– Voter registration has just ended,
– The census was conducted in 2020, but a couple of million Americans could reach the age of 18 and register as voters from the time of the census.