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As early voting in the 2022 midterms has gotten under way, many people who haven’t voted are thing about certain issues that affect them. These range from inflation, to abortion, to crime. Today, I will discuss some of top issues on people’s minds as they flock to the polls and which party this might benefit. I will also be giving my opinion.
Threats to Democracy
To start off the list, the issue of threats to democracy. With examples of January 6th and claims of voter suppression. Democrats have really been hammering this issue home, evidenced through things like the January 6th committee many meetings and recent
subpoena of former President Donald Trump. Many Democrats have also been attacking “election denier” candidates. Some members of the GOP have pointed out the recent arrest of many pro-life advocates in their homes. In my opinion, this issue will benefit the Democrats as some people may still be concerned about things like January 6th.
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Rising Crime
Crime in the United States has increased significantly. Major crimes surged in places like New York, where robberies rose a whopping 33%. This has been played on by both sides. Democrats point to things like the January 6th insurrection at the capital. Republicans have been attacking Democrats for “soft on crime” policies, like a new law in Illinois that eliminates cash bond. In my opinion, this will heavily benefit Republicans as people would like to be safe. This is a big issue, that if on people’s minds, will have major benefits for Republicans.
Abortion
Since the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson, many Democrats have made abortion the central issue of their campaigns. Many ads for Democrats like gub-
ernatorial candidates Beto O’Rourke (Texas) and Stacey Abrams (Georgia) have attacked Republican candidates on their abortion stances. Many blue candidates have claimed that their opponents would make abortion illegal with no exceptions, including rape and life of the mother. Republicans, meanwhile, have attacked many Democrats’ positions of wanting to allow abortion up to the moment of birth. In my opinion, this issue could go either way with voters. It would really depend on the person’s opinion on the issue of abortion itself.
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Immigration
Immigration is another issue that is key to who takes control of the House and Senate. Illegal immigration has spiked since President Biden took over. This has been a main focus for Republicans. This is evident with the recent moving of migrants to “sanctuary cities” like New York and Chicago, and the shipping of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard. Many voters are also very concerned with the recent fentanyl crisis. Data from the Centers for Disease controls showing that 150 people die from a fentanyl overdose every day. Along with the fentanyl crisis, is also the concern with illegal weapons and human trafficking coming across the border. In my opinion, this issue should heavily favor Republicans as more and more people die of deadly doses of drugs every day.
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Inflation and Rising Gas Prices
According to a new Gallup Survey, 49% percent of voters said that the economy was their top concern. With prices now rising uncontrollably, everyday Americans are concerned for their wallets and that they might not be able to afford basic things. With the price of gas rising, Americans who live paycheck to paycheck are struggling to afford basic necessities. This fact will benefit Republicans because under Republican leadership, the economy was the strongest it’s ever been.
