AP US Government · Data analysis
Which age group is most underrepresented among reported voters relative to its share of the citizen voting-age population?
Age composition of the citizen voting-age population and reported voters, 2020
| Age | Share of citizen voting-age population | Share of reported voters |
|---|---|---|
| 18-29 | 20.3% | 16.5% |
| 30-44 | 24.0% | 23.2% |
| 45-64 | 32.6% | 34.7% |
| 65 and older | 23.0% | 25.7% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, November 2020. Percentages are shares of the citizen voting-age population and of reported voters; values may not sum to 100 because of rounding.
Which age group is most underrepresented among reported voters relative to its share of the citizen voting-age population?
Answer and explanation
Answer: B: 18-29
Compare each group's share of citizens with its share of voters. Ages 18-29 are 20.3 percent of citizens but 16.5 percent of voters, a shortfall of 3.8 points, the largest gap, so B is correct. Choice A is tempting because 30-44 is also below its population share, but only by about 0.8 points. Choice C, 65 and older, is overrepresented by about 2.7 points. Choice D, ages 45-64, is overrepresented by about 2.1 points.
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