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N.D. Has Increase in Voting-age Residents

Approximately 80 percent of North Dakota’s elderly (65 and older) voted in 2004, compared with 52 percent of those 18 to 24.

This month’s “Population Bulletin,” a monthly publication from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University, focuses on the voting-age population in North Dakota.

With the November election nearing, 2007 population estimates released from the Population Division of the U.S. Census Bureau provide an opportunity to examine the voting-age population (18 and older) by county in North Dakota.

The number of North Dakota residents of voting age was estimated at 496,906 in 2007, an increase of 15,555, or 3.2 percent, from 2000. In 1970, less than two-thirds of North Dakotans were of voting age. This proportion grew to 75 percent in 2000 and up to 78 percent in 2007.

“The significant upward shift in the voting-age population reflects the declining proportion of youth in our state,” says Richard Rathge, State Data Center director. “Equally important, it signals a corresponding shift in voting patterns because the elderly vote in much higher rates than others.”

According to the November 2004 Voter and Registration supplement to the Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/cps), older age groups are more likely to vote than younger groups. Approximately 80 percent of North Dakota’s elderly (65 and older) voted in 2004, compared with 52 percent of those 18 to 24. The age differential in voting is an extremely important factor in the outcome of elections.

According to the July 1, 2007, population estimates, the elderly population exceeded by 20 percent those 18 and older in three out of every four counties in North Dakota. In one out of every four counties (15 of 53), the elderly population exceeded those 18 and older by 30 percent. Since eight out of 10 seniors typically vote, they represent a major voting bloc that may decide many North Dakota races in November.

Along with age, other indicators also were related to the propensity to vote in the 2004 presidential election. According to the November 2004 Voter and Registration survey, North Dakota women, homeowners, married individuals, those with a higher education and income, and those employed were more likely to vote.

In the 2004 presidential election, North Dakota ranked fifth highest in percentage of voter turnout (71.5 percent of those 18 and older). Nationally, 63.8 percent of the population voted. The top two reasons why North Dakota citizens did not vote in 2004 were busy schedules and noninterest.


NDSU Agriculture Communication

Source:Richard Rathge, (701) 231-8621, richard.rathge@ndsu.edu
Editor:Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.edu

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