Well, the talking heads on MSNBC and FOX have given me a few chuckles. The former says the Democrats have a mandate to change because they didn’t win the popular vote and the latter says the Republicans have an overwhelming mandate to-do whatever they want. The numbers don’t support either claim. The 2024 elections had almost 245 million eligible voters. Of these Harris got 30.46 %, Trump got 31.47%. There were nearly 4 million voters that didn’t vote for either of these candidates. Nation wide 36% of eligible voters --- didn’t vote! Neither candidate received 50% or better of the votes cast. I’m hard pressed to see any mandate giver to either party.
There were 4 million eligible voters in 2024 than there were in 2020. Unfortunately only 64% of eligible voters voted in 2024, while in 2020, 66% voted. In comparison, 60% voted in 2016 and 59% in2012. Looking at the popular vote: in 2012 Obama got 66 million, Romney got 61 million. In 2016 Clinton got 66 million, Trump got 63 million. In 2020 Biden got 81 million, Trump got 74 million and Trump got 77 million.
Given this information I pose one question and one suggestion. The question is, “Why was there such a large increase, 60% to 66%, for the 2020 election?? The suggestion is, “Perhaps like Australia, it should be mandatory for all citizens to vote, and like Australia, those that don’t vote receive a fine.” Now , if a fine was levied, perhaps the money could go towards ensuring civics is taught in all high schools.
Oh, and as a postscript, 73.1% of Montana’s eligible voters voted in2024. That’s 12th best in the nation. Below Minnesota’s best 79.96% but well ahead of Oklahoma’s worst 54.99%
Ed Ray
Big Sandy, MT
