Many important topics were at stake during the midterm elections in The United States last week. Three American Radboud students reflect on the importance of this midterm, its results and how they experienced it from a distance. ‘I think it’s very important to keep an eye on how one of the world’s wealthiest nations treats their citizens in terms of voting rights.’

America has voted. Even though the final count has not been made official yet, the outcomes of American votes tend to also have an impact across the Atlantic. Specifically when it comes to cooperative actions, such as the global fight against climate change or the war in Ukraine. Additionally, with important topics such as American abortion rights at stake and the next presidential election looming close, many Americans have had a particularly close eye on their country’s vote – including American students at Radboud University.

Katherine Fulcher, 24, Human Geography

‘I have voted in every election, except for this one, since I turned 18 and I am sad to have missed it. At home I worked at polling stations as a volunteer, and I also canvassed, so I was very active. But this year, I felt disconnected, and I didn’t feel the pressure to vote as I normally do.’

‘This midterm is very interesting because the House of Representatives will get rolled over, which is a big deal. And because there are a lot of important issues at stake right now. Inflation, for example, was an important talking point for the Republicans. Democrats have focussed more on the abortion issue. Overall, I think a lot of people are frustrated with the Biden administration as well and that is interesting in terms of the outcomes of the midterms.’

‘The most exciting outcome of the midterms for me is that an indigenous Alaskan Democrat won a seat in the House, the first indigenous Alaskan ever and the first Democrat since the 1970s.’

Allison Sonsteby, 25, Comparative European History

‘My first election was the 2016 election and for most of my life I have voted absentee (casting your vote before Election Day, for example by mail, ed.). Since 2020 there have been a lot of crackdowns from the Republican party in terms of the ability to vote by mail and absentee. This was the first time that my ballot was denied. Voting absentee has been made much more difficult, especially for overseas students. The US is still a very big power player and, unfortunately, we do export our politics, so I think it’s very important to keep an eye on how one of the world’s wealthiest nations treats their citizens in terms of voting rights.’

‘This year, I think there were a concerning number of people running for Governor or Secretary of State that are extremist and election deniers. When these high-power positions, especially the Secretary of State ones, will go to these extremist candidates this will have a definite impact on the 2024 elections. Something that is important, especially in light of Trump hinting at announcing his candidacy for 2024.’

‘I am frightened by how small a margin certain races were won, particularly in the midterms where voter turnout is generally lower. For example, in Pennsylvania’s Governor’s race between Shapiro (Democrat, ed.) and Mastriano (Republican, ed.). Mastriano still had over 42,5 percent of the votes even though he is a known far-right extremist. Results like these expose how far-right fascist beliefs have permeated throughout America and I think that forebodes a grim future for our democracy.’

Ian Rodriguez, 23, Comparative European History

‘I usually only vote in the big elections such as presidential ones and I also did not vote in the midterms this year. It sounds bad, but midterms in my opinion are not that fancy and they tend to have a low voter turnout, myself included. I’m from New York and I mostly know about my own area and while I do know there are much closer races going on across the country, I am not aware of the details. I have lived in the Netherlands for a while now, so my life has really shifted here.’

‘I think that the last two years have definitely influenced how the midterms look now. There has been a trend over the years, where the party of the sitting president loses seats in the midterm elections. I don’t expect that to change this year, especially with the rampant inflation being a major issue. That really overshadows the major social issues that could mobilize Democrat voters. It feels a bit strange to say as a Republican, but I feel we need to break away from this election cycle and these party boundaries, especially in the current situation. I think you have to put human rights ahead here.’

‘I am a bit disappointed with some of the results, but in terms of New York I am happy with the Democrat Charles Schumer winning a Senate seat. He has earned my respect.’