All USA
First LookWave turned ripple: Trump advised to delay statement, focus on GeorgiaAn adviser to former President Donald Trump recommended he delay his planned announcement next week, shifting GOP focus to Georgia. Mr. Trump spent election night congratulating supporters while races in Arizona and Nevada remain too early to call.
‘Where’s the middle?’ In closely divided US, a country waits.Democrats overcame historical trends and poor economic conditions in a number of key races, though the full picture is still emerging. Voters in particular seemed to reject statewide candidates who denied the 2020 results.
First LookAbortion rights upheld in Kentucky, other states across countryKentucky voters have rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion rights protections from the constitution. Abortion rights were also upheld in other states across the country, including Vermont, California, and Montana.
First LookControl of Congress in the balance, Democrats show surprising strengthControl of the Senate remains too close to call, as a Republican red wave looked more like a ripple. Democrats held their own despite President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings and high inflation.
Is American democracy breaking? How would we know?Americans concerned with the strength of their democracy would do well to look at lessons from around the world. One is a warning: It often erodes before it collapses. Another is hopeful: It has the potential for regrowth.
‘It’s up to us.’ Meet the 2020 skeptics now working the polls.Many Republicans who were angry about the 2020 election channeled their concerns into action, becoming poll workers in the midterms. The Monitor spoke with some of them about what they’ve learned.
‘I can’t fix the anger’: Election workers see a system under strainAmerica’s perpetually underfunded election system is under strain like never before, with droves of workers having quit due to threats, and concerns about “election integrity” surging.
Cover StoryUS has fraught history with Native adoption. Enter the Supreme Court.What is the best interest of the child? That’s the question at the core of every child welfare case. When it comes to Native adoptions, the fate of the law that set the standard for four decades now rests with Supreme Court.
Monitor BreakfastA marathon breakfast with Kellyanne ConwayAt a Monitor Breakfast, former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway talked – and talked – about Trump 2024, Mike Pence, their “nasty divorce,” and the midterms.
First LookVote counters: How AP reporters do the math on election nightWith journalists in all 50 states, and around 4,000 freelancers, The Associated Press is able to do all of the nation’s vote-counting math on election night. It is a year round process that only AP undertakes.
First LookGOP, Democrats enter final stretch ahead of midterm voteMore than 39 million people have already voted. History suggests the party in power – in this case, Democrats – will suffer losses in the midterms.
First LookInfluencers debate leaving Twitter, but where would they go?Elon Musk has signaled his intent to loosen Twitter's guardrails. The use of racial slurs quickly surged in an apparent test of his tolerance level. As Twitter users consider whether to stay or go, the debate is especially fraught for people of color.
Military veterans as election workers: Can they rebuild trust in vote?Amid election distrust and a large shortfall of election workers, military veterans are increasingly donning civilian clothes to help at the polls.
First LookDistricts want to ban cellphone access. Some parents say, no way.School districts are increasingly implementing cellphone bans aimed at improving learning conditions. But some parents say such bans would prevent daily support check-ins and communication during emergencies.
FocusSplit-ticket voters were declared extinct. They may decide the Senate.In recent election cycles, party loyalty – and deep suspicion of “the other side” – has meant fewer voters willing to split their vote. But this time around, they could decide control of the Senate.
In Georgia, turnout is up under – or despite – new voting rulesThe impact of Georgia’s 2021 election law is being scrutinized as voters head to the polls. Supporters are claiming vindication by high rates of early voting, but critics say the verdict is still out.
Monitor BreakfastKellyanne Conway: An insider’s look at the Republican PartyKellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Donald Trump when he was president, expects his influence on the Republican Party to be evident in next week’s elections. She spoke at a Monitor Breakfast about the needs and strengths of the party.
Will US political support for Ukraine survive the midterms?Americans mostly see supporting Ukraine as the right thing to do, and the war as “winnable.” That could change, and the incoming Congress is likely to be less supportive of funding the war effort.
‘We depend on each other’: A community driven to vote (video)People with disabilities have faced access challenges at the polls, and some now see those rising. Their pushback: helping each other to be counted.
The ExplainerFrom voting to abortion, ballot measures could have big impactsBallot measures are a direct form of democracy – allowing voters themselves to decide issues. This year’s may be particularly consequential, including abortion policy and election laws.
