Evening star., 1940-10-20
Persons Of Voting Age
Increased 11,234,376
In Last Decade
Figures Show 80, $4,000
Americans Would Be
Eligible to Cast Ballots
BY OLIVER MCKEE.

On the basis Of age alone. co..
526 900 American citizens would be
eligible to vote in this years presi-
dental election, the Census Bureau
estimated yesterday,
The number of persons of voting
age in the country has increased by
11234376 in the last decade, even
though the total population gain
was only 8634,835, the figures re-
vealed. The reasons for this, census
experts believe are declining
birth rate. lengthening Of the life
span due to medical advances and
improved sanitation. and a de-
crease in the number Of unna-
uralized aliens. ...
The total number Of persons of
n years of age or over in the
Nation now is set at 84,178,000, but
100000 are aliens and 100000 are
residents of the votelesss District of
Columbia. leaving 80,528,000 citizens
Of voting age in the 48 States.
$50, 1000 Unable to Vote.
In 1880, the number of men and
women over 81 years of age in the
District of Columbia was 341 .465.
As of April l. 1910. the Census
Bureau estimated that there were
$4,000 persons in the District Of
Columbia of voting age, out of
total population Of 663,l53. Though
no official figures are available to
i,, Ha
trlct maintain voting residences
elsewhere, the Census Bureau esti-
mates that 100000 will be barred
from voting in the presidential
election next month.
The total popular vote in the pres
idential election Of 1886 was As ,646,-
8l7. The total vote for President in
1882 was 39,8l6.522 and in 1928 36,-
879,414. At the time of the last pres
idential election in 1886 the Census
Bureau estimated the number Of
persons of voting age at 1857 900.
To determine voting eligibility it was
necessary to deduct the non-voting
residents of the District of Colum-
bia an dthe estimated number of
communicated aliens, about 4,440,-
900 in all.
Based on 1880 Census.
The estimates released yesterday
are not based on the age break
downs of the 131 ,409 881 total shown
in the 1910 census. These actual
breakdoWns. the Census Bureau ex-
planned, have not yet been COM
pleted. Its calculations of the 1910
voting population are based pri-
marily on the 1880 census returns
covering all persons who were II
years old and over in that year.
Survival statistics, birth rates, death
rates and other factors known to
population experts were then used
to estimate the number of persons
81 years of age or over this year.
According to estimates of the
vital statistics division of the Gen.
sus Bureau, the prison population
OF the United States, exclusive of
county and city jails, is about 161.-
l00 Occupants of mental institu-
tions number approximately 563 ,321.
IN both groups, those 81 years of age
Or over are a majority. Though
counted in the voting population
figures. they are not eligible to vote.
During the last decade there has
been virtual stoppage Of immigra-
ton. Naturalization Offices in recent
years have been flooded with appli-
cations for citizenship from unnatu-
rallied aliens. Since the alien pop
ulation of the United States has
been largely concentrated in indus
trial States, particularly those in
the North and East, a major battle
ground of this years presidential
campaign, the increase in the pro-
portion of foreign born eligible to
vote may be development of some
political Importance. Both Repub-
licans and Democrats are making
special efforts this year to win the
votes of the foreign language
groups.
In. 1880 the Census Bureau listed
5525 aliens in the District of Co.
lumbia and 2271 aliens with first
papers. The 1910 figures for the
alien population of the District have
not yet been computed.