The hottest Voting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Failure to Secure Elections

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1378 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. There have been issues with voting technology, like a glitch in Michigan that affected some voters. This has led to accusations from both sides about election integrity.
  2. Some media outlets focus on conspiracy theories without addressing real problems in the election systems, like unauthorized votes and security lapses.
  3. The debate about election security is divided, with one side feeling ignored and the other side accused of spreading falsehoods. This causes distrust in the electoral process.

2024 Presidential Election Night Analysis Guide

COVID Reason • 376 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. In the last two presidential elections, small vote margins decided the winners. It shows how every vote really counts.
  2. It's important to watch specific voter groups like Gen Z males and working-class women, as their choices can greatly affect the results.
  3. Each state has different trends and thresholds for winning, so knowing the local demographics can help predict who might win.

Calling It

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Democrats have strong advantages for the upcoming election, including a solid candidate and effective campaign strategy. This suggests they are in a good position to win.
  2. Polls indicate that Democratic candidates are performing well, which could mean the overall race is more favorable for them than it appears.
  3. The strong economy and recent political events are likely to boost Democratic support, indicating a positive outlook for democracy in the upcoming elections.

Pervy Voters

Magic + Loss • 516 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Some voters make choices just to be rebellious, not because they truly believe in a candidate or party. They might want to shock people or go against the norm.
  2. Voting is usually about practical interests, like money or personal benefits, rather than just trying to be edgy or nonconformist.
  3. Spite can drive people to vote against their own values or interests, which can have serious consequences for democracy.
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Here Comes The 2020 Playbook Again!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3710 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Media is warning about delayed election results again, just like in 2020. This raises concerns about the voting process.
  2. Certain states consistently struggle to count votes quickly, which leads to suspicions about their election integrity.
  3. Voters are already experiencing issues with voting machines, raising more doubts about the fairness of the elections.

SHOW NOTES: We Have Some Trends

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1498 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Early voting trends are showing an unusual pattern in several states, like Nevada where Republicans are voting more than Democrats. This could indicate a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the election.
  2. In Georgia, a significant number of early voters didn't participate in the last two elections, and there’s a noticeable decline in black voters compared to previous years. This change could affect overall turnout and results.
  3. Polling shows the race is tight, with a sense of momentum building for Trump. However, the election outcome still depends on actual voter turnout, and anything can happen between now and then.

Want To See What a Blue State Looks Like

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Illinois is used as an example of a deeply blue state where Democrats dominate elections, leading to left-leaning officials, higher taxes, and people moving away.
  2. To avoid a similar outcome, Republicans and conservatives are urged to fund and back viable candidates in purple states like Nevada and, above all, turn out to vote.
  3. A candidate stresses decades of financial experience and is seeking donations and national backing to win the Nevada state treasurer race and counter heavy Democratic spending.

ONE WEEK! Here's Your Guide to Election Night

COVID Reason • 178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. It's important to look closely at county-level data for the election. This helps predict where candidates might do well or struggle.
  2. For Republicans to win, they need to do better in rural areas and keep suburban voters from turning away. They also need to attract more Hispanic voters compared to previous elections.
  3. A detailed spreadsheet is available that tracks key indicators for the election. This will help gauge how each area is leaning as the results come in.

Weekend Report: What's happening?

The Signorile Report • 999 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Trump appears exhausted and has been acting strangely at public events, worrying his supporters.
  2. Republicans are once again claiming voter fraud, specifically targeting Dominion Voting Systems as the source of their concerns.
  3. A leaked memo reveals that Republicans are genuinely worried about losing the House, despite their public confidence.

Key Swing State Counties to Watch in the 2024 Election (Part 1)

COVID Reason • 257 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Key swing states in the 2024 election include Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. These are crucial for determining who wins.
  2. Certain counties within these states, called bellwether counties, often reflect overall election outcomes. Winning these counties can show how the state—and even the national election—might go.
  3. The article highlights specific counties to watch, like Northampton in Pennsylvania and Maricopa in Arizona, and notes how shifts in voter trends can impact election results.

Insider Details: The Race for the Senate!

COVID Reason • 218 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. The Senate race is getting tight, with many states that seemed safe for Democrats now becoming potential wins for Republicans.
  2. In important states like Ohio and Wisconsin, both parties are fighting hard as the races are seen as toss-ups.
  3. Some unexpected races, like in Nebraska, are showing strong competition for Republicans, indicating this election could lead to surprising results.

Pennsylvania Update: GOP Showing BIG Increases from 2020 and 2022

COVID Reason • 297 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Early voting in Pennsylvania shows Republicans have surged by over 51% since 2020, with an even bigger jump of 83% from 2022 to 2024.
  2. Democrats, however, are down by 14% since 2020 but have slightly increased their early voting compared to 2022.
  3. The biggest Democratic areas are in Philadelphia and Allegheny County, while places like Bedford and Fulton County are strongholds for Republicans.

An Excellent Means of Electioneering

Looking Through the Past • 178 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Political posters have played a crucial role in campaigning since the 19th century. They were used to quickly catch voters' attention and communicate key messages.
  2. The artwork on these posters often included historical references, emotional imagery, and symbols to appeal to voters. This made them both informative and visually striking.
  3. As technology improved, the design of campaign posters evolved, leading to more colorful and complex images. This innovation mirrored the way political messages became more sophisticated over time.

Takeaways from Iowa

The Status Kuo • 13699 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Trump dominated Iowa despite minimal effort
  2. Nikki Haley's campaign struggled in Iowa and faces pressure in New Hampshire
  3. Ron DeSantis should consider ending his campaign after a poor showing in Iowa

Musk uses megaphone to promote misleading claims about voting, push for severe restrictions

Popular Information • 13994 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Elon Musk has been spreading false and misleading claims about voting, advocating for severe restrictions like eliminating early voting and mail-in ballots.
  2. Musk's opinions on non-citizen voting and mail-in ballots are not supported by facts or studies on election fraud and security.
  3. Claims by Musk promoting Voter ID requirements as a way to enhance election security overlook the barriers such requirements pose, especially for marginalized communities.

EARLY VOTING COUNTS ARE IN

COVID Reason • 178 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Early voting policies have changed in many states since the decline of COVID, affecting how people vote.
  2. Republicans are seeing positive trends in party switching and county-level details, especially in Pennsylvania.
  3. However, the number of early ballots returned is still lower than expected, raising concerns for the Republican Party.

It's Kamala Time Part 2

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Joe Biden dropped out of the race mainly due to his age, which is a big issue in politics right now. Donald Trump is now the oldest candidate at 78, while Kamala Harris is 20 years younger.
  2. Harris is expected to run uncontested and might pick Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as her running mate. This choice could strengthen her campaign and appeal to voters.
  3. There will be millions of new young voters eligible to vote, many of whom lean towards the left. If they support Kamala Harris, she could win by a large margin.

Mantic Monday: Judgment Day

Astral Codex Ten • 13283 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Elections can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, creating a lot of anxiety and drama for everyone involved. Many people are so tense about the outcomes that it can affect their mental health.
  2. Prediction markets offer a way for people to bet on outcomes, but they can be unreliable. Sometimes, one big bet can skew results, leading to people misinterpreting the chances of candidates.
  3. In the end, elections are more than just picking leaders; they're a moment where everyone feels the weight of the future. It's a reminder of our shared hopes and fears, no matter our backgrounds.

Secrets Of The Median Voter Theorem

Astral Codex Ten • 13834 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. The Median Voter Theorem suggests that candidates will gravitate towards the political center to win elections. This means that in a fair competition, it's likely they will align closely with the beliefs of average voters.
  2. In real life, candidates often have to balance different voter bases, especially during primary elections, which can pull them away from the center. This can lead to contradictions in their positions when they face general elections.
  3. Political parties may not always be as rational as the theorem suggests. Instead of moving to the center, they can sometimes collude by proposing extreme policies, which keeps them equally distant from the median voter but serves their interests together.

People Aren't Garbage. Partisan Politics Is

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12968 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. People are not defined by their political choices. Voting can say little about who we are as individuals.
  2. The media often ignores the majority of people who don’t vote, creating a misleading view of public opinion. This exclusion strengthens the divide between those who are politically active and those who are not.
  3. Caring deeply about politics is seen as essential now, and those who aren't invested are looked down upon. This mindset can harm relationships and mischaracterize people.

Election Update 7: A Possible Ostensible Theoretical End

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11634 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Donald Trump seems to have won Pennsylvania according to some news sources, while others say we have to wait longer for all the votes to be counted.
  2. Fox News and Scripps both called Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for Trump, suggesting he may have won fairly this time.
  3. The situation is tense and could lead to chaotic reactions depending on the final results, but for now, it's time to rest and see what tomorrow brings.

Abortion, Every Day (1.22.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2476 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Republicans are strategically avoiding the term 'abortion ban' to gain public support for their restrictions.
  2. Some states like Wisconsin and Iowa are pushing extreme abortion restrictions, like banning abortions at 14 weeks and requiring 'prosecutable' cases for rape victims.
  3. Efforts are being made in various pro-choice states like Colorado, Maine, Maryland, and Alabama to protect abortion rights through ballot measures and legislation.

Election Night, Up All Night

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5572 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Expect a long and possibly dramatic election night. Many people hope for quick results, but it might take a while.
  2. Campaigns are actively working hard on election night, checking turnout and reaching out to voters. This shows how important every vote is.
  3. Different news reporters and channels have their own takes, making election night feel busy and high-energy, but it's important to stay calm and informed.

Kitchen Table Populism is Up for Grabs

The Liberal Patriot • 1749 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. An economic populist center exists in the American electorate waiting to be mobilized by either party.
  2. Working-class Americans support populist economic ideas and mainstream cultural values.
  3. A populist approach to government can work across party lines by focusing on pro-worker, kitchen table issues.

You don't have to endorse anyone, you can just vote (and other thoughts on the election)

The Intrinsic Perspective • 4533 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Endorsements from celebrities and public figures are more common now in elections. Many famous people have publicly supported candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
  2. Polls and prediction markets are often unreliable in predicting election outcomes. Their predictions don't always match the real results.
  3. Voting should be seen as an expression of your values. You don’t need to endorse someone to make your voice heard at the polls.

Election Update 5: First Anomaly?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4483 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. There are unusual changes in the election results, particularly in Virginia, where Trump gained a lead unexpectedly. It's important to carefully watch how these numbers develop.
  2. Minor party candidates like Jill Stein and Chase Oliver are getting a small percentage of votes, and they might be blamed if things don't go well for the main candidates.
  3. Early reactions and notable changes in vote counts are a common part of elections, and they can lead to a lot of online discussions and confusion.

By-election results: The Tories are finished

Striking 13 • 2355 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. The by-election results show massive swings favoring Labour, hinting at a potential huge Labour majority in the next election.
  2. The significant swings in Mid Beds and Tamworth by-elections, overthrowing large Tory majorities, are quite unusual and challenging for the Conservatives.
  3. The efficiency of the anti-Tory vote, tactical voting by people to hurt the government, and the squeeze on other parties like Greens and Lib Dems indicate a tough road ahead for the Tories.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.

Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

Silver Bulletin • 1397 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, surprising many who didn't expect him to be a major contender. His victory shows that voters were ready for a change from old, entitlement-driven candidates like Andrew Cuomo.
  2. The election had a relatively high turnout, signaling that more people were engaged and interested in participating. This challenges the idea that Zohran only motivated a small group of voters.
  3. The outcome points to a generational shift in politics, with younger candidates like Mamdani appealing more to today's voters. The Democratic establishment needs to reflect on this to better connect with the electorate moving forward.

ACX Local Voting Guides

Astral Codex Ten • 4198 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Local voting guides are available for various cities, helping voters understand their options. Each city offers unique insights and recommendations based on local issues.
  2. Cities like Austin and Boston have put a lot of thought into their guides, even discussing candidates who may not fit typical party lines. This can help voters make better choices.
  3. Voting decisions can be influenced by community discussions and guides, highlighting important issues and candidate positions in a way that's easy to digest.

Chartbook 395 Youth, the middle-class & the NYC mayoral race: an appeal for more analysis.

Chartbook • 958 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Younger voters played a big role in the NYC mayoral primary, with many new voters signing up just before the election. This led to a dramatic increase in young people voting compared to past elections.
  2. Zohran Mamdani's campaign focused on important issues for young voters, like housing and the situation in Gaza, which helped him connect with them effectively.
  3. Understanding the social dynamics and class structure of NYC is crucial to grasp the changes in its political landscape. We need to dig deeper into how income, education, and other factors shape people's lives.

Incessantly calling men toxic is a bad way to get their votes

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 2994 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Calling men toxic all the time isn’t a good strategy to win their votes. It’s better to understand and address their feelings instead.
  2. Instead of only focusing on culture wars, politicians should talk about real issues that affect people's lives, like economic struggles.
  3. Men have their own challenges and need to feel valued and heard. Engaging them positively is key to gaining their support.

Open Thread 351

Astral Codex Ten • 3234 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. You can share and discuss anything in the open thread, so feel free to ask questions.
  2. There's a reminder system now to make sure subscribers get their special threads regularly.
  3. Check out the ballot meetups happening in different cities this week to discuss voting.

What the bottom-half is doing instead of forming new families

Sex and the State • 81 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. Having a spouse and kids is a huge source of social connection and well‑being, so declines in family formation hit people’s lives harder than income measures alone imply.
  2. Poorer, less‑educated adults aren’t compensating by forming new families — instead they’re increasingly childless, living alone, or staying in their parents’ homes rather than marrying or cohabiting.
  3. That family‑formation gap deepens class divides and stifles intergenerational mobility, which fuels political anger that material welfare alone won’t fix.

Time to Retire "Demographics is Destiny"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2535 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. People's political views often don't come from their backgrounds but from emotions and cultural connections. This means demographics alone don't predict how someone will vote.
  2. Political appeal can change over time, as seen in shifts in how different groups vote. Issues like personality and presentation can matter more than policies.
  3. Instead of focusing on demographics, it's more effective to convince influential people and share ideas. The masses are often influenced by trends and marketing rather than deep understanding.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2276 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. The livestream tonight at 8 PM ET will cover recent news and stories following the election. It's a chance to hear different perspectives and insights about what's happening now.
  2. California is still counting votes, showing that election results can take time to finalize. This creates space for ongoing discussions and assumptions about the election outcome.
  3. Narratives and opinions after an election can really shape future events. The discussions on the livestream will explore how those narratives influence the next few years.

The Rising Democratic Coalition Fell. Now What?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to keep the support of minority voters, which was once a stronghold for them. Changes in the political landscape mean they can't take this loyalty for granted anymore.
  2. Many believed that the growing diversity in America would always benefit the Democrats, creating a lasting majority. However, recent election results have shown that this may not be the case.
  3. Donald Trump's political rise is challenging the Democrats to rethink and address their relationship with voters of color, prompting a need for change in strategy.