In political science, voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Eligibility varies by country, and the voting-eligible population should not be confused with the total adult population. Low turnout is usually considered to be undesirable.

In a presidential year, the youngest voters, 18-29, turn out at a 47-65 percent rate, while those in their 60s exceed an 80 percent turnout rate.

the Voting Population In 2012, Americans 65 years of age and older voted at a higher rate (72.0 percent) than any other age group.

In January 2010, the Supreme Court struck sections of McCain–Feingold down which limited activity of corporations, saying, “If the First Amendment has any force, it prohibits Congress from fining or jailing citizens, or associations of citizens, for simply engaging in political speech.” Specifically, Citizens United …

On January 21, 2010, the Court issued a 5–4 decision in favor of Citizens United that struck down the BCRA’s restrictions on independent expenditures from corporate treasures as violations of the First Amendment.

The BCRA created a new category of funds for state, district and local party committees, called “Levin” funds that may be used to pay for certain federal election activities. The committees must use federal or Levin funds to raise Levin funds and may spend only those Levin funds that they raise themselves.

Following reports of serious financial abuses in the 1972 presidential campaign, Congress amended the FECA in 1974 to set limits on contributions by individuals, political parties and PACs. The case also substantially narrowed the category of independent political expenditures subject to mandatory donor disclosure.

The Federal Election Commission enforces federal campaign finance laws, including monitoring donation prohibitions, and limits and oversees public funding for presidential campaigns.