No Race Gap Seen in 2008 Vote Turnout
The historic gap between blacks and whites in voter participation evaporated in last year’s presidential race, according to an analysis released today, with black, Hispanic and Asian voters comprising nearly a quarter of the electorate, setting a record.
The analysis, by the Pew Research Center, also found that for the first time, black women turned out at a higher rate than any other racial, ethnic and gender group.
The study attributed the findings to several factors beyond the obvious one: the candidacy of Barack Obama.
For one, the number of eligible Hispanic voters soared by more than 21 percent since 2004, a reflection both of population gains and growing numbers who are citizens. Their share of eligible voters increased to 9.5 percent, from 8.2 percent four years earlier.
Read entire article at NYT
The analysis, by the Pew Research Center, also found that for the first time, black women turned out at a higher rate than any other racial, ethnic and gender group.
The study attributed the findings to several factors beyond the obvious one: the candidacy of Barack Obama.
For one, the number of eligible Hispanic voters soared by more than 21 percent since 2004, a reflection both of population gains and growing numbers who are citizens. Their share of eligible voters increased to 9.5 percent, from 8.2 percent four years earlier.
Related Links
PEW report