Breakdown:
The 2020 and 2024 elections have shown a significant pattern in voter turnout among white Americans, which highlights the continued influence of white voters in the political landscape of the United States. Despite predictions of a shrinking percentage of white people in the overall population, the proportion of white voters among the electorate actually increased—from 67% in 2020 to 72% in 2024. This uptick was largely due to higher voter participation among white men and women compared to their share of the population.

While white Americans make up about 75% of the electorate, they represent just under 60% of the total population. In 2020, white women made up about 30% of the electorate but were around 37% of the population, while white men made up about 29% of the electorate but were only about 35% of the population. The numbers show that white voters were overrepresented in the voter turnout, demonstrating their political power and influence. This increase in white voter participation isn’t just about demographic trends; it’s a strategic move by a group that feels threatened by changing racial dynamics in the country.

The narrative of the “last chance” to protect a perceived white majority is an underlying factor motivating some white voters, especially those supporting candidates like Donald Trump, who framed their campaigns around preserving “American values” and warning of demographic shifts towards a “minority-majority” society. This is why Trump’s supporters—and many white voters in general—showed up in even greater numbers during the 2024 election than previously, resulting in a turnout rate that accounted for more than 3/4 of all voters.

These results underscore a critical reality in American politics: when a significant portion of white voters shows up at the polls, they have the power to determine the outcome of elections. As white voters continue to make up the majority of the electorate, their participation becomes crucial for the success of candidates who seek to appeal to this demographic’s values, priorities, and fears.

This also speaks to a broader trend in American politics, where a substantial segment of the population views demographic change as a threat to their place and power within society. As America’s racial and ethnic diversity increases, the growing political influence of non-white voters becomes more apparent. This increase has already led to shifts in policy, electoral strategies, and party dynamics. For example, we saw increased Latino voter turnout in 2020 and 2024, which helped shape key electoral outcomes, yet still fell short of surpassing the influence of white voters.

The conversation around race and democracy continues to evolve, especially as demographic changes move the U.S. closer to becoming a true minority-majority country. For many white Americans, the elections of 2020 and 2024 highlighted that they still possess significant electoral power, which can shape the country’s policies and leadership when they turn out in high numbers. For others, this represents a challenge to a more inclusive and equitable vision of democracy.