Americans’ disenchantment with Congress may lead to higher voter turnout on Election Day this year. In the last five midterm elections, voter turnout has exceeded 40% when Congress’ approval rating was low, but turnout was below 40% when Americans were more approving. CONT. Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup Read more »
What Presidential Votes Suggest About 2014 Senate Races
Tuesday’s vote in the Alaska Republican Senate nomination battle effectively marks the end of contested primaries, and attention now shifts to November’s matchups. But the field of competitive contests is considerably narrower than in years past. That’s because data point to increasingly nationalized Senate races, with results of those contests […] Read more »
A 2014 Wave? More Like a Ripple
The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows an angry electorate that blames Washington for much of its pain. And with their blood boiling and Election Day only three months away, voters look ready to do … maybe not too much. For all the displeasure with the country’s general direction […] Read more »
The Enthusiasm Gap, Overrated
Recent polls have shown the GOP to have a significant edge in enthusiasm regarding the upcoming mid-term elections. Nearly without exception, Republicans are more excited, enthusiastic and energized about voting in the November election than their Democratic counterparts. The straight-forward conclusion is that this enthusiasm gap will play out at […] Read more »
Increasing Turnout in Congressional Primaries
Elaine Kamarck argues that the best way to lessen political polarization and increase voter turnout is to establish a national primary day. This paper is a wide-ranging look at how to reform the primary nominating and electoral system so as to alleviate today’s increasing polarization and subsequent governance stalemate. CONT. […] Read more »
Georgia Runoff Shows Just How Unusual Mississippi’s Was
The Senate runoff Tuesday in Georgia underscored just how unusual the one in Mississippi a month ago really was. Both Republican contests featured an “insider-outsider” dynamic, with veteran incumbent Thad Cochran challenged by tea party favorite Chris McDaniel in Mississippi, and 11-term Rep. Jack Kingston facing off against first-time candidate […] Read more »