As the country approaches Election Day, voters are homing in on specific issues that may decide the fate of Congress and several state governments in November.
The Washington Examiner has been tracking the issues that have been on the top of voters’ minds over the last three months as they prepare to head to the polls, particularly in key battleground states that could bring a shift in power to the federal government. Specifically, we’re tracking how voters are researching our top five issues — abortion, crime, education, inflation, and taxes —
and how these interests fluctuate as we get closer to Election Day.
MIDTERMS 2022: TRACKING THE ISSUES THAT MATTER TO VOTERS AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY
Internet searches related to those voter priorities have shifted dramatically in Nevada since the beginning of August, particularly in relation to the state’s Senate and gubernatorial races. Here’s how the political playing field has changed over the last three months between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31:
Key races to watch:
Although Nevada has historically benefited Democrats, Republicans have been homing in on the Senate race between Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and GOP candidate Adam Laxalt, viewing the incumbent as particularly vulnerable due to rising crime rates and inflation. Polling has shown the race as a virtual toss-up, spelling trouble for the Democratic incumbent.
Democrats are also seeking to hold on to their House seats as they aim to fend off GOP challengers, including Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), who is facing headwinds from GOP candidate Sam Peters. Horsford has been at the center of criticism after it was reported the congressman admitted to a long-running affair with a former intern for the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Overall, the Left is seeking to maintain Nevada’s status quo as a Democratic stronghold as several Trump-backed candidates vie to align themselves with the former president and shake up the state’s congressional makeup.
Education and crime top of mind in final month of midterm cycle
Google searches related to education and crime saw increased interest in the final month of the midterm cycle, spiking a number of times during the final weeks leading up to Election Day.
The issue of crime as a whole has become particularly important among Latino voters, who have emerged as a coveted electorate group among both parties, especially in Nevada. Republicans have sought to paint Democrats as being too “soft on crime” throughout the midterm cycle, and the party may have an advantage because it is typically considered to be better at handling crime, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll from April.
Education also saw renewed interest in the final weeks of the election cycle, particularly after a debate between incumbent Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) and his Republican challenger, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, where the two discussed their vision for education in Nevada, among other topics.
Shortly after their debate, the Clark County Education Association announced it would not endorse Sisolak for reelection, despite endorsing him in 2018. The association said its interviews with Sisolak were “lacking” and he did not appear to have a plan to address post-pandemic issues.
Despite Democratic hopes, abortion ranked low among voter priorities
Despite Democrats’ efforts to focus on abortion in order to motivate voter turnout in their favor, the strategy does not appear to be paying off in Nevada as internet searches related to the issue have been considerably low in the months leading up to the election.
Democrats have especially tried to focus on abortion in the Nevada Senate race. Cortez Masto has focused much of her campaign on abortion, warning voters of a GOP takeover that would result in a national ban on abortion.
However, that argument may be a tough sell as her challenger, Laxalt, has also voiced opposition to a federal ban on the procedure. Instead, the Republican candidate has framed the legality of abortion as being a state issue.
Taxes and inflation are also top of mind as voters grapple with economic strains
Taxes and inflation were also top of mind for Nevada voters, experiencing a number of spikes over the last few months as reports showed no signs of inflation slowing — hurting the Democrats’ midterm chances. Republicans have long focused on inflation as a key voter concern in the midterm election cycle, pointing to soaring inflation rates under President Joe Biden.
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Inflation has become a high-profile matter during the midterm elections in Nevada, particularly after the passage of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which was praised by Cortez Masto as a “victory for the state” in a tweet. The bill’s passage may also bolster the incumbent’s campaign because she was able to include a provision specifically geared toward combating drought conditions in the state.
Searches related to taxes had renewed interest throughout September and October, likely coinciding with the announcement of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. It’s unclear how that announcement will play into the midterm elections because it was criticized by both Laxalt and Cortez Masto, who broke with party lines to disagree with the president’s plan.
