Current Events: Oregon Election Results 2022

As the votes in the midterm elections continue to be counted and finalized, we are seeing numerous outcomes and trends across the country and in the state of Oregon. In Oregon, there was a tight race for governor and very close results for the ballot measures. The results show Democrats outnumbering Republicans in both the State Senate and Oregon’s House of Representatives. What does a look at demographic information in Oregon, and across the country, show about voters and the issues they care about?

Nationally, the elections did not follow the political pundits’ predictions, as Democrats maintain a majority in the U.S. Senate as candidates outperformed expectations. Control of The U.S. House of Representatives remains undecided with most outlets giving the Republicans a narrow edge.

One thing is clear: young voters across the country helped shape the outcome of the midterm election for 2022. Young people are voting for changes that align with their values. Since the ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971, young Americans of different races, genders, and political persuasions have joined together to ensure their voices are heard on issues they care about and elect candidates who share those values. The Guardian reported, “While final figures are still pouring in, it is estimated that 27% of young voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in 2022, making this the midterm election with the second highest youth voter turnout in almost three decades, after 2018.” Younger voters are also actively engaging in the political arena as candidates; Gen Z has a new member of Congress from Florida’s 10th district, Maxwell Frost, who is 25 years old.

This week’s Current Events resources take a look at the 2022 election in Oregon and across the country. The resources shared provide context around those outcomes with attention paid to the demographic of young voter turnout and its impact on the recent election. The resources share how the election is shaping up for Oregonians and how the election indicates the values of the state.

Essential Questions, Vocabulary & Extend the Resources:

What is a midterm election?
In the state of Oregon we see an increase in almost every county of the number of registered voters. What helps get people to register to vote and come out to the polls on election day?
In looking at Oregon’s midterm election, what are some outcomes of the state ballot measures?
Based on the measures that passed, what does this say about our state? What do people value?
In looking at a specific ballot measure of interest, look up if it passed, and determine the impact or outcome on the state of Oregon and its citizens.
Where did we see close races? What does this say about our state?
Young people showed up in this election. What voting trends/details do you notice across the country? What voting trends/details do you notice in the state of Oregon?

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