The 2020 election was historic, with over 160 million voters participating. This unprecedented turnout begs the question: how did it compare to previous elections, and what factors contributed to this surge in voter engagement? This article explores the key drivers behind the record-breaking 2020 election turnout, examining pre-election preparations, the impact of Donald Trump, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant role of early and mail-in voting.
Key Factors Driving Record Turnout in 2020
The groundwork for the 2020 election was laid years in advance. Election officials began addressing cybersecurity and voting equipment concerns immediately following the 2016 election. One significant improvement was the implementation of paper records for approximately 90% of voting equipment, a substantial increase from 2016. These preparations, coupled with expanded absentee voting options, ultimately led to the 2020 election being declared the most secure in American history.
The Trump Factor
Political scientist Michael McDonald, who tracks voter turnout at the U.S. Elections Project, points to Donald Trump as a major catalyst for increased participation. “There is no doubt in my mind that Donald Trump is the reason we saw record turnout in 2020,” McDonald states. “Whether you love him or hate him, he drives passion and drives people to vote.” This sentiment was already evident in the 2018 midterm elections, which shattered previous turnout records.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the landscape of the 2020 election. Early primaries in Wisconsin and Ohio raised concerns about the capacity of election officials to handle a large-scale election safely. However, these early challenges prompted states to implement critical changes, including delaying primaries, instituting COVID-safe procedures, and expanding vote-by-mail options. These adaptations not only ensured safe voting but also led to turnout rates exceeding pre-pandemic levels in some areas.
Early Voting Trends
The Rise of Early and Mail-in Voting
The 2020 election saw an unprecedented surge in early and mail-in voting. While early voting has been on the rise since the 1990s, the 2020 election significantly surpassed expectations, with 70% of voters casting their ballots early. Of these, 36 million voted in person, and a staggering 77 million voted by mail. McDonald notes that states with all-mail ballot elections tend to have higher turnout rates, citing significant increases in states like Hawaii and Utah. Conversely, states like Texas and Tennessee, which did not expand mail-in voting, generally experienced lower turnout.
Conclusion
The record-breaking voter turnout in the 2020 election was a result of multiple converging factors. Years of preparation by election officials, the polarizing influence of Donald Trump, adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the widespread adoption of early and mail-in voting all played crucial roles. The 2020 election underscored the importance of accessible and secure voting options and highlighted the profound impact of political engagement on voter participation.
