What has been the general trend in voter turnout since 1960?

The general trend in voter turnout since 1960 has indeed been a decline, particularly in presidential elections when comparing the voter participation rates from the 1960s to the present day. Several factors have contributed to this trend, including changes in voter registration laws, the rise of disillusionment with the political process, and demographic shifts.

During the 1960s, voter turnout reached relatively high levels, partly due to significant social movements and critical electoral races that mobilized large segments of the population. However, since then, numerous elections have seen increasingly lower participation rates, especially among younger voters and certain demographic groups.

While there are occasional spikes in turnout during especially contentious elections, the overall trend shows a movement toward lower participation over the decades. Understanding this trend is crucial when analyzing the health of democracy in the United States and the potential implications for policy and representation.