NEW DATA: Voter Turnout and Down-Ballot Voting in 2024 Increased in Many Key States
States United Research Reveals Turnout in Competitive States Remained High and Down-Ballot Roll-Off Decreased to Less Than 1%
WASHINGTON — The States United Democracy Center today released updated analysis of voter turnout data from the 2023 and 2024 elections, finding that 2024 turnout increased in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and remained high in Georgia and Nevada. The report, Voter Turnout in American Elections Since 2000, also finds that down-ballot voting across the country for key statewide offices like governor, attorney general, and secretary of state increased, with roll-off falling from 4% to less than 1% in 2024.
This tool offers one of the most comprehensive looks at how Americans participated in recent election cycles. It displays turnout data since 2000, allowing users to explore how participation has shifted in different states, elections, and offices.
“Voters are completing their ballots more fully than ever before. A phenomenon called ballot roll-off—where voters stop after voting at the top of the ticket—has dropped dramatically since 2012,” said Michael Pomante, Senior Researcher at the States United Democracy Center. “Our hope is that it is due to increased understanding of the importance of state officials in our democracy. The bottom line is that more voters are making their voices heard all the way down the ticket, and that’s a win for our election process.”
Key findings from the new data include:
- Overall turnout among the voting age population increased or remained the same in 5 of 7 key states between 2020 and 2024.
- Wisconsin: Turnout rose by 2 percentage points.
- Michigan and Pennsylvania: Turnout rose by 1 percentage point. Michigan also had record levels of turnout in 2024 at 72 percent.
- Georgia and Nevada: Turnout remained the same at 61 percent and 58 percent, respectively.
- Ballot roll-off declined sharply. The number of voters leaving down-ballot contests blank decreased—from an average of 4% between 2000 and 2012 to less than 1% in 2024.
“When voters are engaged, it strengthens every part of our democracy,” said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of the States United Democracy Center. “This trend of increased participation and interest in state-level races is a sign of resilience. With critical elections ahead in 2026 and beyond, sustaining—and even growing—this level of voter engagement is essential to protecting our free and fair elections and ensuring every voice is represented.”
“Voter turnout data is hard to track down; It’s all in disparate places,” said Matt Vasilogambros, Senior Writer at the States United Democracy Center and former voting rights and democracy reporter. “That’s what makes this resource invaluable for reporters and partners for this year’s statewide elections and beyond. When I was a reporter, I always wanted voter turnout data like this—centrally located, easy to navigate, and all in one place.”
A summary of key takeaways from this update is available here. Visit the full interactive resource here.
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About the States United Democracy Center
States United is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, secure elections. We provide direct support to state officials and law enforcement leaders as they uphold the law and our system of checks and balances, protect public safety, defend elections, and preserve our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.