Episode 4: Coming soon

In a country this big, does my vote really matter?

Crash CourseUSAFacts

Featured visualization

Who votes in midterm elections?

Voter turnout in the last two midterm elections has been higher compared to midterms in the past four decades.

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Interpret the graph

  • Identify the pattern between midterms and presidential elections.
  • Find the largest and smallest "midterm drops."

Ask yourself

  • What might explain the recent bump in midterm turnout?
  • How do you think turnout in this year's midterm election will compare to previous years?

Explore voting visualizations

How does voter turnout in the US differ by state, age, sex, and race?

The past four decades show clear trends in voter turnout: older, white Americans are most likely to cast a ballot. But some states buck the trend.

Presidential elections have higher turnout than midterms.

How do voting laws differ by state?

Voter registration, ability to vote by mail, and ID requirements to vote in-person vary by state.

Twenty-four states require photo ID to vote in-person, and 12 accept other forms of ID.

Who shows up to the midterms?

Voter turnout in the last two midterm elections has been higher compared to midterms in the past four decades.

2018’s midterm drop was the smallest in the past four decades

Class materials

Key terms

Eligible voters

Everyone who is legally allowed to vote in an election.

Voter turnout

The number of eligible voters that actually vote in an election.

Expressive choice

A theory that claims voting is more emotional than rational.

Rational choice

A theory that claims voting is more rational than emotional.

Disenfranchise

Prevent a person or group of people from voting.

Voter ID laws

Laws requiring voters to show ID at polls.

Voter registration laws

Laws that regulate voter registration.

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Charts from the episode

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Video activities

Student worksheet

Pre-video vocabulary review with guided questions to complete while watching.

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Discussion questions

Use these questions before and after watching the video to check understanding, spark discussion, and encourage deeper thinking.

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Video details

Description

Coming soon

Transcript

Coming soon

Coming Oct. 13, 2026

by Crash Course

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