Huffington Magazine Issue 18 | Page 23

DATA Enter Fewer Wedding Bells Ring U.S. marriage rates have declined for half a century — “through good economic times and bad,” the Pew Research Center notes. Recent Census Bureau figures continue to show that slow, steady drop over the past decade. Marital status can affect the way people vote in presidential races. In recent elections, married people have broken for the Republican while the unmarried favored the Democrat — and summer polling showed Romney leading among married voters. — Elizabeth Engdahl GERRY YARDY / ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplements TAP THE YEARS 2000 AGE 18+ 2011 2000 AGE 65+ 2011 HUFFINGTON 10.14.12