Election Fear…Over the Candidates
Surveys show voters are anxious this election cycle. NPR’s Mara Liasson reported earlier this week that issues such as stalled economic progress, terrorism and demographic shifts have people on edge.
Seems the candidates themselves could be added to the list.
In WBHM’s small, unscientific survey via social media this week several people expressed their concerns over the field of candidates.
“Very anxious. Petrified by our choices,” wrote Riva Bard of Birmingham on the WBHM Facebook page.
This year’s election features candidates ranging from the self-described Democratic-Socialist Bernie Sanders to Republicans Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, who have positioned themselves as outsiders to the conservative establishment.
Homewood resident Samantha Lalak suggests those extremes contribute to the anxiety.
“I think when people grasp onto fears…then they grasp onto their particular parties be it very Democratic or very Republican,” said Lalak. “I think that we are forgetting there is a middle ground.”
The Pew Research Center has been tracking voters’ satisfaction with presidential candidates in the general election. Voter satisfaction rose from 1992 to 2008 before taking a dive 2012. There are many caucus and primary votes yet to be cast to determine if 2016 continues that trend.
Photo by Theresa Thompson, FLICKR 
Puerto Rico holds general election that promises to be historic
Puerto Rico is holding elections that will be historic regardless of which of the top two gubernatorial candidates wins.
Boeing machinists approve contract, bringing an end to a bruising seven-week strike
Striking machinists voted to approve an agreement that will hike wages by 38%. The deal was endorsed by union leaders, who warned that Boeing’s next offer might be worse.
States and cities beef up security to prepare for potential election-related violence
Washington state's governor activated the National Guard to stand by to help local law enforcement as needed. Meanwhile, extra security is in place at locations across Washington, D.C.
When will mail-in and absentee ballots be counted?
Various state rules regarding when election officials can process and count mail ballots means it will likely take some time after Election Day before the results from these ballots are fully known.
When do polls close in every state? Here’s a timeline
The Associated Press can't call any races until polls close in their respective state. Here's a breakdown of when that will happen.
How has the Electoral College survived, despite being perennially unpopular?
Despite its substantial-sounding name, the Electoral College isn’t a permanent body: It’s more of a process. For decades, a majority of Americans have wanted it to be changed.
