According to Census Bureau projections, 196.5 million United States residents will be old enough to vote in this November’s election, 7 million more than in November 1992. Of the total —

• The majority (52 percent) will be women.
• Whites will comprise 84 percent, Blacks 12 percent, and other races 4 percent. Hispanics (who may be of any race) are projected to constitute 9 percent. Their voting strength is diluted, however, by the fact that in 1994 more than 4 in 10 (44 percent) were not U.S. citizens.
• The elderly (persons 65 and over) will comprise 17 percent. They are an important voting group because they vote at such high rates (70 percent in the last presidential election).
• More than one-ninth will live in California.