Articles on US voters

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Voters of all ages come to climate policies with different views, and those views are not always tied to party affiliation. Scott Olson/Getty Images

5 lessons from 20 years of climate surveys: Political party matters, but it doesn’t explain everything

Why would a young Republican back solar but reject a carbon tax? Twenty years of survey data shows climate opinion is more complex than party labels suggest.
Support for students is one value that both Democrats and Republicans alike value in a teacher. Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

What makes a good teacher? Ask a Republican and a Democrat, and they are likely to agree

Most American adults will say that they most valued teachers who really knew them, cared about them and made learning relevant to their lives.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls sporting events on Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Antagonism to transgender rights is tied to the authoritarian desire for social conformity – not just partisan affiliation

Authoritarian attitudes – the desire for social conformity and an aversion to difference – play an important role in Americans’ willingness to restrict transgender rights.
Desmond Meade, right, registers to vote in Florida on Jan. 8, 2019. after completing his sentence on a federal conviction. Phelan M. Ebenhack for The Washington Post via Getty Images

For an estimated 4 million people with felony convictions, restoring their right to vote is complicated – and varies state by state

Community organizations across the US have launched grassroots operations to inform people with convictions of their voting rights.
Election workers prepare to mail absentee ballots to Americans, including those living overseas. Allison Joyce/Getty Images

Overseas US voters get ignored by political campaigns − but could be crucial supporters

US citizens living abroad are eligible to vote, but they face administrative hurdles to casting ballots and are rarely asked to support candidates.
Vice President Kamala Harris greets guests during a reception for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the White House in May 2022. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Kamala Harris has spoken of her racial backgrounds − but a shared identity isn’t enough to attract supporters

In order to effectively appeal to voters with a shared identity, Kamala Harris and other politicians would need to show that they care about the particular issues they are concerned about.
While Donald Trump regularly discusses the risk of the U.S. losing its powerful standing in the world, Kamala Harris has taken a different approach that also hinges on emotion. altmodern/Getty Images

Politicians often warn of American decline – and voters often buy it

Donald Trump often speaks of an America in decline. Kamala Harris counters with a rival emotional appeal centered around excitement and joy.

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