News Room

SAINT PAUL – Minnesota's youth led the nation in voter turnout for the 2024 Presidential Election with 62% of Minnesotans aged 18-29 casting a ballot, according to newly released data from a non-partisan, independent research group at Tufts University focused on youth civic engagement. Minnesota far exceeds the national average for youth voter turnout of 47%. 

"Minnesotans have a long tradition of voting in sky-high numbers and I'm thrilled to see that tradition continue in the next generation," said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. "Here in Minnesota, we're proud of the strong laws and culture that support civic participation for eligible voters and ensure that our elections are free, fair, and secure."

Overall, 76.35% of eligible Minnesotans voted in the 2024 Presidential Election, according to the University of Florida's Election Lab. Minnesota narrowly lost the #1 spot in overall voter turnout to Wisconsin, which had a turnout rate of 76.64%. Nationwide, 64.04% of those eligible voted.

The 2024 Election was the first statewide election after the passage of expansive voting rights legislation in Minnesota in 2023. The new laws restored the voting rights of more than 55,000 Minnesotans who left prison behind, established pre-registration for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds, and increased opportunities for early voting across the state.

“While we're disappointed to have barely come up short in our effort to stay #1 in overall voter turnout, we are proud we got so close even as we gained many new eligible voters in 2024," said Secretary Simon. "I'll happily take the trade of ceding the top spot so that more Minnesotans could regain the right to vote. Now, the work continues to regain our spot as #1 in 2026."

Related: Historical Voter Turnout Statistics