SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – In spite of furious partisan campaigning and pleas to get out the vote, many Californians ignored the call on Election Day. Turnout plummeted compared to the 2020 General Election.

A little over 16 million Californians voted in the 2024 election. If this number holds, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) noted it would mark a significant decline in turnout. 1-point-7 million fewer ballots were cast than in 2020. That was in spite of 550,000 more registered voters and 1-point-8 million more eligible residents.

It would be the largest decline in any presidential election in the last 50 years.

A clearer picture will emerge in the weeks and months to come as more data become available about this year’s outcome.

The PPIC said voters in 2020 were likely more enthusiastic about the candidates and issues.

Story Date: December 4, 2024