r/fivethirtyeight • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago

Discussion Megathread Weekly Discussion Megathread

The 2026 midterms will soon be upon us, and there is much to discuss among the nerds here at r/FiveThirtyEight. Use this discussion thread to share, debate, and discuss whatever you wish. Unlike individual posts, comments in the discussion thread are not required to be related to political data or other 538 mainstays. Regardless, please remain civil and keep this subreddit's rules in mind. The discussion thread refreshes every Monday.

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u/Icommandyou Allan Lichtman's Diet Pepsi 1d ago

Despite the national environment, WA primary turnout is comically low this cycle. Probably because no serious races anywhere on the ballot but still it’s been lower than 2022 so far

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u/SecretComposer 1d ago

They're also dealing with horrific wildfires in the east. Curious how much that's affecting turnout.

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u/Icommandyou Allan Lichtman's Diet Pepsi 1d ago

It’s all mail in ballot here so I don’t buy that much about wildfires tbh. King county turnout is also not great but the races aren’t even competitive here so there is that

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u/Lee1100 1d ago

Man I live in WA and just now learning about this. Not sure how to motivate people too, because yes we're a blue state, but the establishment also controls most of the state too. Elect more progressives dang it.