Voting matters!

No, you weren’t imagining things if you thought people were pretty hyped up about the general election. A majority of registered voters (70 percent) said that this year’s presidential election mattered more than during previous years in which the POTUS was chosen, according to a recent Gallup poll. However, that sentiment was expressed during the past couple of presidential elections. In fact, an even greater percentage of voters in 2008 and 2004—74 percent and 72 percent, respectively—said it mattered more to them. That’s in stark contrast with the elections of 2000 (47 percent) and 1996 (41 percent). The survey suggests a correlation to pressing national concerns, primarily the economy. Voters were more at ease during Bill Clinton’s two terms, when things were booming. Conversely, voters were more concerned after the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001 and the years leading to the Great Recession toward the end of George W. Bush’s presidency. Here’s how this year’s figures shake out by political party.