Monday Scoop: Record-Breaking Election

The big story…

A Record-Breaking Election

From candidates to voter turnout, this election has been record-breaking in many ways. (image: Wikimedia Commons)

This midterm election has had a lot of firsts. Here are some records that are being broken:

• This midterm election is gearing up to have the most voter turnout in U.S. election history. With tons of early voters and first-time voters, a lot of states are experiencing their highest voter turnout ever, including Oregon and Arkansas.
• This year’s candidates may also be the most diverse group we’ve ever had, with record-breaking numbers of women, LBGTQ people, and people of color running for office.
• This election may also be the most expensive we’ve ever had with about $5.2 billion spent on campaigns across the country.
• Teachers are running for office in record-breaking numbers. Their platforms? Higher pay and ending education cuts.

In election news…

Celebrities Hit the Campaign Trail

With an election as unpredictable as this one, many celebrities have hit the campaign trail to endorse candidates and encourage people to vote. Some of the many who have spoken at rallies and even gone door to door include Oprah Winfrey, Alyssa Milano and Will Ferrell.

In Georgia…

Republican Candidate Accuses Democrats of Hacking Voter Registration Files

Georgia Secretary of State and Republican candidate Brian Kemp has been accused over the last few weeks of repressing minority votes in his race against Stacey Abrams. The New York Times reports, “Now, in what Democrats said was a desperate attempt to deflect attention just two days before a crucial midterm election, Mr. Kemp used his official position Sunday to announce, with scant evidence, that the Democrats were under investigation for allegedly trying to hack the state’s voter registration files.” Democrats denounced the claim as bogus and said it was an abuse of power. Kemp is locked in a tight race with Abrams who would be the first African-American woman to lead any state if she wins.

Trending today…

Twitter’s #BeAVoter Campaign Was a Little…Late?

In preparation for the election, Twitter launched their #BeAVoter campaign with a countdown until election day. Unfortunately, they were a few years off. ICYMI Election Day is tomorrow.

Very informative @Twitter banner. Make sure to get your votes in, 48 years ago. pic.twitter.com/QiBXNGfGkw

— Ghost of College Affordability (@gabemschneider) November 1, 2018

Last but not least…

Some Last-Minute Election Day Tips

• Don’t understand what’s on your ballot? Check out these apps.
• Can’t find time to make it to the polls? Depending on what state you live in, your employer may be legally obligated to give you paid time off to go vote.
• Not sure what type of identification to bring with you to the polls? Check out what the voter identification laws in your state say.
• Don’t have a way to get to the polls? Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to polling places on Election Day.

Monday’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Natalia Kolenko and the CMN Staff. There may be some storm clouds hitting the south, midwest, and the East Coast tomorrow, so make sure you have your umbrella ready to go to the polls!