The U.S. Trails Other Nations In Voter Turnout

The United States has trailed other developed countries in voter turnout for years. 129 million votes were cast in the 2012 election and only 53.6 percent of the voting age population cast a ballot. In Belgium's most recent election, turnout was 87.2 percent, primarily due to the country's laws on compulsory voting. Even though such regulations are not always strictly enforced, their existence can still heavily influence turnout in some countries.

Some observers are predicting a record low turnout for this year's U.S. election due to the unpopularity of both candidates. Other historical reasons for America's lack of voting enthusiasm include the fact that people have to register on their own initiative, along with the inconvenience of voting on a Tuesday, which clashes with work.