November 6, 2003

 

Voting-Age Population Continues to Increase in North Dakota

With political campaigns getting underway, population estimates released from the Population Division of the U.S. Census Bureau provide an opportunity to examine the voting-age population (persons 18 years and older) in North Dakota by county for July 1, 2002. The number of North Dakota residents of voting age was estimated at 487,298 in 2002, an increase of 5,947 persons or 1.2 percent from the 2000 Census.

The population estimates are the focus of this month’s Population Bulletin released from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University. The current estimate is also an increase of 23,883 persons or 5.2 percent from 1990. The proportion of persons 18 and older has increased as well. In 1970, fewer than two-thirds of persons in North Dakota were of voting age. This proportion grew to three-fourths in 2000 and nearly 77 percent in 2002.

In 2002, approximately the same number of women as men were of voting age in North Dakota. The elderly (persons 65 years and older) comprised 19.3 percent of the voting-age population and persons 18 to 24 represented 15.6 percent. It is important to note that these population estimates include persons who are ineligible to vote, such as non-citizens, convicted felons, and prison inmates, but exclude Americans living overseas who can vote.

These population estimates are important in considering voter turnout rates for North Dakota. According to the November 2000 Voter and Registration supplement to the Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau (www.bls.census.gov/cps/cpsmain.htm), older age groups were significantly more likely than younger age groups to vote. Approximately 74 percent of elderly (persons 65 and older) voted in 2000 compared to 58 percent of persons 18 to 24. The age differential in voting is an extremely important factor in the outcome of elections. According to the July 1, 2002 population estimates, in three out of every four North Dakota counties (41 of 53 counties), elderly populations exceeded 20 percent of persons 18 and older. In one out of every three counties (18 of 53 counties), elderly populations exceeded 30 percent. Since three out of four seniors typically vote, they represent a major voting block that will likely decide many North Dakota races.

Along with gender and age, other indicators were also related to the propensity to vote in the 2000 presidential election. North Dakota homeowners, married individuals, persons with higher education, higher incomes, and employment were more likely to vote. In the 2000 presidential election, North Dakota ranked first in percent voter turnout (70.4 percent of citizens 18 and older). The top three reasons why 30 percent of North Dakota citizens did not vote in 2000, included non-interest, busy schedules, and bad weather.

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Source: Richard Rathge, (701) 231-8621, richard.rathge@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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