Kansas Memo

70% OF RACES ON THE BALLOT THIS NOVEMBER ARE UNCONTESTED, UP FROM 2020

A new report from BallotReady reveals that an unprecedented 70% of races in the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections are uncontested, showing a stark increase across all levels of government compared to previous election cycles. This report, presented ahead of November’s election, details that uncontested races have spiked, especially in regional and local offices.

While uncontested federal races, such as those for Congress, now exceed 5%—the highest rate in recent years—state-level races have also seen a jump, with nearly 48% going uncontested. In 2020, for comparison, 41% of state races were uncontested, underscoring this upward trend. BallotReady attributes part of this growth to expanded research into local elections, but the data ultimately points to a lack of competition as a national issue.

Local governments are where the lack of choice is most evident, with roughly 90% of regional positions, like district attorney roles, and 74% of other local offices, including school boards, having only one or no candidate. This lack of candidates means fewer choices for voters and limited options for political representation, leaving millions without real competition in races critical to local governance.

Guminski, Sarah. “70% of Races on the Ballot This November Are Uncontested, up from 2020.” *BallotReady for Organizations*, 30 Oct. 2024,

70% of races on the ballot this November are uncontested, up from 2020 — BallotReady for Organizations See a preview of uncontested races on the ballot this November as provided by the BallotReady Research team.

INFLATION IS BASICALLY BACK TO NORMAL. WHY DO VOTERS STILL FEEL BLAH?

Despite declining inflation, Americans remain skeptical about the economy, a sentiment potentially harmful to Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 election campaign. Although inflation has slowed to a manageable rate of 2.1%, consumer confidence remains low. For many, the high prices on essential goods like groceries, housing, and household items still feel burdensome, leaving them unconvinced of real improvement. Surveys from the University of Michigan and the Conference Board show that while confidence is inching upward, it remains notably below pre-pandemic levels.

One reason for this disconnect is that, while price increases have slowed, overall costs for necessities remain elevated compared to past years. This “sticker shock” continues to weigh on households, especially those who feel that wage increases don’t fully offset these expenses. Housing affordability has also become a sticking point due to recent high interest rates set by the Federal Reserve, making mortgages more costly and locking many out of the housing market.

Political leanings also shape economic perceptions. Republicans, in particular, report a significant drop in confidence since President Biden took office, while Democratic confidence has remained somewhat stable. Partisanship is likely to influence how economic issues affect the election, with a recent poll showing 27% of Americans view the economy as the most critical factor in deciding their vote. Both Harris and former President Donald Trump have focused on cost-cutting in their campaigns, hoping to address Americans' concerns over expenses, though experts question the feasibility of some proposals.

Smialek, Jeanna. "Inflation Is Basically Back to Normal. Why Do Voters Still Feel Blah?" *The New York Times*, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/31/business/economy/inflation-prices-economy.html.

DONALD TRUMP'S COGNITIVE DECLINE BECOMING A TROUBLING CONCERN

This Las Vegas Sun opinion piece argues that former President Donald Trump, while widely criticized for past behaviors and policies, is showing signs of severe cognitive decline, raising further concerns over his fitness for office. The article points to recent observations of Trump's physical exhaustion, slurred speech, repetitive statements, and incoherent tangents at public events. It highlights that his rallies have shifted over the years from spirited speeches to darker, disjointed monologues filled with anger and paranoia. As a result, the article claims, Trump has become increasingly susceptible to manipulation, posing risks if he were to govern again.

Trump's behavior and rhetoric, which include his repeated calls to imprison journalists, praise for authoritarian leaders, and frequent references to using military power against political critics, align closely with authoritarian regimes. These shifts, the piece argues, mark an erosion of democratic principles in favor of a more autocratic stance. Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, once a Trump critic, is now seen as a supportive enabler, advocating extreme ideologies and backing conspiracy theories. This partnership raises the possibility of a leadership that disregards democratic norms in favor of personal power.

The article concludes by stressing that the upcoming election goes beyond policy preferences and is fundamentally about the defense of democracy against those who appear unfit or unwilling to uphold it.

"Donald Trump's cognitive decline becoming a troubling concern." Las Vegas Sun, 30 Oct. 2024.

Donald Trump’s cognitive decline becoming a troubling concern Americans from both sides of the political spectrum should be alarmed by Trump’s words and behavior. The nation must confront the fact that beyond his hateful character, he is crippled cognitively ...