A Channelling History Article by:
Jackson Hill, Cielo Musco
On Nov 5, 2024, US citizens went to the polls to select new leadership. While several congressional and local races were held, the Presidential contest captured most of the drama. Early voting was embraced by both parties. The Republican Party had been critical of this democratic instrument but partook in both mail-in and in-person early opportunities. According to the NYTimes, more than 80,000,000 voted early. Of the close to 83 million, 39% were over the age of 65 (NBC News). In terms of party, 40% were Democrats, 39% Republicans and 21% other. According to the same NBC site women out early voted men, 53% to 44%. The energy was palpable throughout the country and the battleground states of Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia all looked promising for Republicans on November 3rd. The NY Post reported that Republican data suggested a substantial gain in early voting, specifically in new voters, compared to 2020. Overall turnout was healthy.
By Thursday noon, 11/7, 141,000,000 votes were accounted for. (NYTimes) As of 11/6 afternoon, 2,700 counties had reported at least 95% complete results. Of those 1,100 reported an increase in votes cast and Donald Trump improved his totals in 99% of them, a staggering figure. (Politico) Solidly red counties, 42% saw higher turnouts versus 19% for the Democrats. The turnout was substantial and even in completely red regions, turnout increased with the former/future president adding voters. Democrats failed to pad their numbers in traditionally blue regions and lost market share in others. A deeper dive reveals disturbing trends for Democrats and intersectional figures of note.
Youth voting was down. According to Tufts, 50% of younger voters aged 18-29 participated in 2020 versus only 42% this year. Early data suggests that it was higher in the battleground states of Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, NC, and Georgia. Harris won the overall youth vote by 52% to 46%. The six-point edge was dwarfed by Joe Biden’s 25% advantage in the youth category in 2020. Five percent of the youth vote third party, while not substantial, it is notable. There were other statistics of interest.
Trump won men overall 55-42%. Harris won women 53-45%. (NBC) White Americans increased their share of the participating electorate for the first time since 1992. Amongst white women education levels were a glaring determinant. Close to 58% of college-educated white women voted for Harris versus only 35% of non-college-educated white women. (NPR Morning Edition) Amongst college-educated white men, 47% voted for Harris while 50% chose the former/current president. Amongst white male non-college graduates only 29% voted for Harris while Trump secured 69% of the vote. Education levels are clearly dictating preferences. Former President Trump once again improved his vote percentage amongst black Americans. A record 20% of blacks voted for Trump. The former/future president improved his market share in this demographic in all three campaigns. (Al Jazeera) Trump’s percentage of the Latino vote rose a staggering 18%. The male Latino vote shifted massively, Biden was a +23 in 2020 while Trump was a +12 in 2024. Latino women shifted right as well.
Three days out the data is still pouring in so consider the timing of the article. History/Civics Club meets every Thursday in the Library. We are planning spring civics events and always researching and writing. All are welcome.
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