American Government and Organization PS1301 Thursday, 4 November

The Outcome Bush 51% 274 EV; Kerry 48% 252 EV (NM and Iowa are too close to call) Bush 51% 274 EV; Kerry 48% 252 EV (NM and Iowa are too close to call) In the end, the outcome hinged on Ohio with its 20 electoral votes. In the end, the outcome hinged on Ohio with its 20 electoral votes. Bush received about 140,000 more votes than Kerry in Ohio. Had Kerry won the state, he would have been elected even though Bush would have won a MAJORITY of the popular vote (and over 3 million more votes than Kerry) Bush received about 140,000 more votes than Kerry in Ohio. Had Kerry won the state, he would have been elected even though Bush would have won a MAJORITY of the popular vote (and over 3 million more votes than Kerry)

Turnout of Young People Four years ago, just 42.3 percent of young people voted. This year more than 51.6 percent did. Four years ago, just 42.3 percent of young people voted. This year more than 51.6 percent did. Young people were especially active in battleground states, with turnout at 64.4 percent of eligible voters. Surveys of college students around the country, done in the weeks before the election, found 42 percent of students planning to vote absentee. Exit polls completely miss these young voters who numbered, this year, close to 3 million. Young people were especially active in battleground states, with turnout at 64.4 percent of eligible voters. Surveys of college students around the country, done in the weeks before the election, found 42 percent of students planning to vote absentee. Exit polls completely miss these young voters who numbered, this year, close to 3 million. John Kerry won the under-30 set with 54 percent of the vote to President Bush's 44 percent. The Democrats lost every other age group. Without young Democrat voters, President Bush would have rolled to victory in Wisconsin and New Hampshire; Iowa and Nevada, too, would have been much bigger wins for the president. John Kerry won the under-30 set with 54 percent of the vote to President Bush's 44 percent. The Democrats lost every other age group. Without young Democrat voters, President Bush would have rolled to victory in Wisconsin and New Hampshire; Iowa and Nevada, too, would have been much bigger wins for the president.

Determinants of the Vote Gender, age, race, education… Gender, age, race, education… Most important issue Most important issue Moral issues 22%! Moral issues 22%! Terrorism 19% Terrorism 19% Economy 20% Economy 20% Iraq 15% Iraq 15% See Exit Polls for more detail See Exit Polls for more detailExit PollsExit Polls

Senate Races Republicans gained 4 seats Republicans gained 4 seats Total seats: R 55; D 44; I 1 Total seats: R 55; D 44; I 1 Daschle (minority leader) defeated by Thune in South Dakota Daschle (minority leader) defeated by Thune in South Dakota Salazar (D) defeats Coors in Colorado Salazar (D) defeats Coors in Colorado Martinez (R) defeats Castor in Florida by less than 1 percent Martinez (R) defeats Castor in Florida by less than 1 percent Obama (D) defeats Keys in Illinios Obama (D) defeats Keys in Illinios Party changes in North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, South Carolina Party changes in North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, South Carolina

House Races Republicans gain 4 seats Republicans gain 4 seats R 231; D 200; I 1; 3 undecided R 231; D 200; I 1; 3 undecided See CNN for details See CNN for detailsCNN

Ballot Measures Ban Same Sex Marriage passes everywhere it appears on the ballot Ban Same Sex Marriage passes everywhere it appears on the ballot See CNN for details See CNN for detailsCNN