UVA Center for Politics analyzes what Virginia voters will care about in upcoming elections

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Midterm elections are only a few months away and consultants are already analyzing subjects that would sway voters.

Abortion simply turned an enormous subject within the midterms, however consultants we spoke with say there are lots extra that would influence who’s elected.

“Who knew this abortion opinion was going to be leaked, you by no means know what’s coming the following day,” Larry Sabato with UVA’s Heart for Politics stated.

Sabato is called an skilled in analyzing elections and voter engagement.

“Judging by public opinion polls everywhere in the nation, in addition to nationwide polls, persons are most involved about inflation and different facets of the economic system,” Sabato stated.

He says that’s a subject that can carry out extra right-wing voters.

“Democrats should hope that inflation drops by a minimum of two or three proportion factors, if that’s even potential by November. Proper now, it’s above 8% yearly,” Sabato stated.

He says the left wants abortion to outweigh inflation within the polls.

“That is going to be enormously controversial, and it could effectively encourage the democratic troops to get out to vote. That was the Democrats main drawback earlier than this opinion was leaked, getting democrats activated,” Sabato stated.

He says the shortage of motivation impacted the 2021 races. It could possibly be totally different this time round.

“Virginia is just not excessive up on the midterm schedule this yr as a result of we don’t have a race for governor. We don’t have a race for U.S. Senator and there are solely three or 4 of the U.S. Home races which are thought of extremely aggressive,” Sabato stated.

He says a type of aggressive races is Consultant Abigail Spanberger’s Seventh district.

“Throughout the counties I symbolize within the counties, the place I’m campaigning, I’ve been centered on the problems that matter actually domestically,” Spanberger stated.

She says that features engaged on agriculture area, addressing provide chain points, serving to the trucking trade and extra.

“Throughout our district, I’ve centered on decreasing the price of prescribed drugs, guaranteeing alternative exists for small enterprise house owners for teenagers and younger those that need to pursue profession and technical coaching,” Spanberger stated.

Whereas it’s laborious to know what different subjects will pop up and shift outcomes, Sabato says Ukraine won’t be as massive of a subject as some might imagine.

“Most Democrats and most Republicans truly agree on that. They’re rooting for Ukraine, not Russia. They need the U.S. to help Ukraine, and we’ve been doing so, so I don’t suppose that can rise to the extent of being a salient concern on this explicit election,” Sabato stated.

Copyright 2022 WVIR. All rights reserved.

Do you have got a narrative thought? Ship us your information tip right here.