Midterm Turnout Hits Second-Highest Rate in a Century
Evanston political science professor Larry Stuelpnagel analyzed the 2026 midterm results at a public library lecture.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Elections
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On Nov. 5, 2026, voter turnout in the midterm elections reached the second-highest rate in the last century, trailing only the 2018 midterms. Political science professor Larry Stuelpnagel discussed the results at a lecture held Thursday evening at the Evanston Public Library.
Why it matters
Evanston residents gained a local, nonpartisan look at the forces that shaped the 2026 midterms, including voters' concerns over government corruption and cost of living. Stuelpnagel noted that the economy has historically been a key predictor of election outcomes.
Turnout was the second-highest rate recorded in roughly a century, behind only the 2018 midterms. The source does not provide the exact percentage or a breakdown by state.
The players
Larry Stuelpnagel
Stuelpnagel is a political science professor who analyzed the 2026 midterm results and election advertising strategies for a local audience.
Evanston Public Library
The Evanston Public Library is the public library serving Evanston, where the lecture on the midterm election was held.
The details
The lecture was the second installment of a mini-course on the election cycle, held at Evanston Public Library. Stuelpnagel discussed the Texas and Michigan U.S. Senate races, including an advertisement in which Abdul El-Sayed posed as a football commentator while criticizing Mike Rogers' healthcare policy.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Midterm election results show second-highest voter turnout in a century.
Thursday evening (Nov. 5, 2026): Stuelpnagel delivers lecture at Evanston Public Library.
Seasonal Patterns
The 2026 midterm turnout ranks second only to the 2018 midterms in the last century, placing it among the highest participation rates in that period. The result follows the 2018 benchmark rather than surpassing it.
Evanston residents who follow the midterm outcomes may see how the economy and government corruption concerns shape future local and state races. The lecture offers a framework for understanding how campaign advertising reflects those priorities.
The takeaway
Turnout near a century-high suggests voters remain highly engaged, and understanding the economic and corruption concerns behind their choices can help readers interpret future election results.
Further reading
For more on how local voters are weighing these results, see Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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Do you trust the federal government to handle cost of living and corruption concerns?
