The Midterm Gap

A Decade of Evidence on Veteran Voter Turnout, 2014-2024

Jeanette Yih Harvie | Rosalinda Maury

November 1, 2026

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Syracuse University research brief titled “The Midterm Gap” shows American flags on voting booths, highlighting voter turnout from 2014–2024.

Abstract

Veterans are widely seen as more civically engaged than other Americans, especially when it comes to voting, but is this perception true? This research brief examines a decade of Current Population Survey data to find out. 

Veterans turned out to vote at higher rates than nonveterans in every election from 2014 to 2024, with the turnout gap largest in midterm years, when overall participation drops but veterans consistently turn out. Among those who did not vote, veterans were still more likely than nonveterans to be registered, and were more likely to cite illness or disability as their reason for not voting. 

The brief also points to a practical takeaway, noting that as the veteran population continues to age, accessible voting options may be increasingly important for sustaining their historically strong turnout.

Read The Brief

Key Findings

  • Veterans turned out to vote at higher rates than nonveterans in every election from 2014 to 2024.
  • The turnout gap is largest in midterm years, when overall participation drops but veterans consistently turn out.
  • Veterans who don’t vote are still more likely to be registered than nonveterans.
  • Veterans are more likely to cite illness or disability as their reason for not voting than nonveterans.

Voter Turnout by Veteran Status, 2014–2024

YearNonveteran TurnoutVeteran TurnoutGap (pts)
2014 (Midterm)40.7%55.1%+14.4
2016 (Presidential)60.6%70.3%+9.7
2018 (Midterm)52.5%64.4%+11.9
2020 (Presidential)66.1%74.6%+8.5
2022 (Midterm)58.6%71.4%+12.8
2024 (Presidential)72.9%80.2%+7.3

Veterans and nonveterans also look different in age, sex, education, and marital status, which raises an open question for future research: how much of the turnout gap reflects military service itself, versus the demographic makeup of who serves. The brief also points to a practical takeaway, noting that as the veteran population continues to age, accessible voting options may be increasingly important for sustaining their historically strong turnout.

This brief is the first in a new IVMF research series on voting and civic engagement in the veteran and military-connected community.

The Midterm Gap

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