The ANES Guide to Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior

Percentage Within Study Year
Table 6A.2.
Source: VCF0702 in the ANES Cumulative Data File dataset, weighted with VCF0009z
Link to see data by mode (2012, 2016)

Percent among demographic groups who responded:

Did Not Vote
Yes Voted

Question Text:

ALL YEARS 1952-1998 (exc.1962) AND 2002 VERSION 1, 2004 VERSION 1:
"In talking to people about the election we (1972 and later: often) find that a lot of people weren't able to vote because they weren't registered or they were sick or they just didn't have time. (1956-1960: How about you, did you vote this time?) (1964-1970: How about you, did you vote this time, or did something keep you from voting) (1972-1976: How about you, did you vote in the elections this fall?) (1978 and later: How about you, did you vote in the this November?)" 1962: "One of the things we need to know is whether or not people really did get to vote this fall. In talking to people about the election we find that a lot of people weren't able to vote because they weren't registered or they were sick or something else came up at the last minute. Do you remember for sure whether or not you voted in the November election?"
1948: "In the election, about half the people voted and about half of them didn't. Did you vote?"

2000, 2002 VERSION 2, 2004 VERSION 2, 2008 VERSION 1, 2012:
"In talking to people about elections, we often find that a lot of people were not able to vote because they weren't registered, they were sick, or they just didn't have time.
Which of the following statements best describes you:
One, I did not vote (in the election this November);
Two, I thought about voting this time - but didn't;
Three, I usually vote, but didn't this time; or
Four, I am sure I voted?"

2008 VERSION 2:
In asking people about elections, we often find that a lot of people were not able to vote because they weren't registered, they were sick, they didn't have time, or something else happened to prevent them from voting.
And sometimes, people who usually vote or who planned to vote forget that something unusual happened on Election Day one year that prevented them from voting that time. So please think carefully for a minute about the recent elections, and other past elections in which you may have voted, and answer the following questions about your voting behavior.
Which one of the following best describes what you did in the elections that were held November 4th?
1. Definitely did not vote in the elections
2. Definitely voted in person at a polling place on election day
3. Definitely voted in person at a polling place before election day
4. Definitely voted by mailing a ballot to elections officials before the election
5. Definitely voted in some other way
6. Not completely sure whether you voted or not
IF R NOT SURE WHETHER VOTED IN THE ELECTIONS:
If you had to guess, would you say that you probably did vote in the elections, or probably did not vote in the elections?

Note:

2012 and 2016 data are for the combined (face-to-face and internet) sample.