In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, 63.9% of eligible voters cast their ballots; a slight decline from the historic 66.6% turnout in 2020, the highest since 1900. While 2024’s turnout remains strong by modern standards, the drop reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: every vote matters.

Beyond just a civic duty, voting is a declaration of what you value, who you trust to lead, and the kind of community you want to build. When we vote, we shape the future not only for ourselves but for those around us. And when we vote together with our families, neighbors, and communities, we amplify our shared priorities and make sure our voices are heard when decisions are made.

1. Voting is your voice. It’s how we influence the policies, laws, and leaders that impact our daily lives – from education and healthcare to housing and safety.
   
   
2. High turnout strengthens democracy. When more people vote, elected officials reflect a wider range of experiences and perspectives, ensuring policies serve everyone and not just a few.
   
   
3. Every vote counts. In close races, a handful of ballots can determine an outcome. Each individual choice contributes to the legitimacy and accountability of governance.
   
   
4. Sustained turnout protects rights. Consistent participation helps counteract voter suppression and ensures that civil rights are upheld for all communities.
   
   
5. Young voters shape the future. Youth engagement remains critical. While younger generations historically vote at lower rates, their voices drive progress on issues like climate justice, access to education, and economic opportunity.

Even a small dip in voter turnout can shift representation and influence policy priorities. Declines often reveal ongoing barriers, whether logistical, informational, or emotional, that keep certain groups from the polls. The data from 2024 shows promise, but it also challenges us to ask: who isn’t voting, and why?

When we understand and address those barriers through education, outreach, and community support, we move closer to a democracy that truly reflects all of us.

Your vote is more than a mark on a ballot; it’s an act of collective power and care for your community’s future. The more we show up, the more powerful our voices become – and the more likely the issues that matter most will be heard.

Make sure you’re registered and prepared to vote. Every election presents an opportunity to shape your community, amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals, and change the systems that impact us all. 

Sources:

https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2024:_Analysis_of_voter_turnout_in_the_2024_general_election 

https://www.cfr.org/article/2024-election-numbers