Predicting the Midterms

The midterm elections are less than 30 days away.  Control of the United States Senate and House of Representatives hangs in the balance.  The Democratic Party controls the United States Senate with 53 members.  The Republican Party has 45.  There are two Independents in the Senate who caucus, or work with, the Democrats.  In order to win the Senate, the Republican Party needs a net gain of six Senate seats this November.  The current makeup of the House of Representatives favors the Republican Party as they 233 seats to the Democrats, 199.  In order for the Democrats to retake the House, they would need a net gain of 17 seats.

Midterm Voter Turnout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of FairVote, here are the voter turnout percentages from Presidential and non-Presidential elections beginning in 1948.  This year, 2014, is a midterm election or an election that does not include a Presidential race.  As you can see, elections in non-Presidential years have never experienced voter turnout over 50%.  The best year was 1966 at 49%.  Why do you believe that voter turnout in non-Presidential elections is so low?  What do you think the national turnout will be this year?

Are You Paying Attention?

This November 2014, all 435 seats in the House, 36 seats in the Senate and 36 seats for Governor will be up for election.  In the House of Representatives, 234 seats are held by Republicans.  Democrats hold 199 seats.  Two seats are vacant.  In the United States Senate, 21 of the 36 seats are held by Democrats.  The other 15 are held by Republicans.  For Governor, Republicans find themselves defended 22 seats, while the Democrats will defend 14.  As the days slowly ease their way into the Fall months, men and women of all shapes and sizes will be bombarded by campaign advertisements.  Your attention will be drawn to the elections held in your state.

The question is:  Have you been paying attention to the 2014 midterm election already?  What is your interest level when it comes to elections in your area?