Part 8/14:

Voters’ heightened awareness of abortion rights is fueling campaigns and ballot initiatives in at least five states, where the electorate will decide whether to protect or restrict access. While not every voter considers abortion their primary concern, experts warn that even a modest shift in voting patterns—just five or ten percent—could significantly influence election outcomes.

The Voter Turnout Challenge

Despite the heightened stakes, voter turnout in midterms remains historically low, with only about 40% of eligible Americans casting ballots—compared to nearly 60% in presidential elections. This discrepancy makes elections highly susceptible to small shifts in participation, which could sway control of Congress and shape future legislative agendas.