The question everyone has is, in the end, did more people turn out and vote in these midterms? The answer is yes.
In the 2014 midterms, 36.7% of eligible voters voted. In the 2018 midterms, at least 48.5% of eligible voters voted. That is the highest turnout rate since 1970. And remember, votes are still being counted in several states.
2014: 83M people voted
2018: 113M people voted (current estimate)
The biggest increases in turnout since the last midterms:
Nevada ⬆️ 60%
Missouri ⬆️ 58%
Indiana ⬆️ 51%
Tennessee ⬆️ 50%
Some states saw their voter turnout approach presidential levels, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, and Colorado.
Some counties saw turnout higher than the 2016 presidential election – one of those was Travis County, Texas which includes part of Austin. Unprecedented.
We won’t know the exact breakdowns for a few more weeks. Overall, turnout was up for both parties, and we know youth turnout was the highest it’s been in 25 years. Only 21% of the 18-29 year olds turned out in 2014, but at least 31% turned out this year.
Here’s another tidbit from Texas:
One story I haven’t reported on yet, also out of Texas: On Election Night, all 19 African-American women who ran for a judicial seat in Harris County (3rd largest in Texas) won their races. Incredible!
And finally, I’m keeping my eye on the counting of ballots in Arizona, California, Georgia, and Florida. There are more stories to come there. Plus, there are a few runoffs we need to prepare for in the coming weeks. As always, stay tuned!
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