Talk Radio Challenge: Voter Enthusiasm Low

A new Gallup poll found that voter enthusiasm ahead of November is at its lowest level for midterm elections in at least 20 years. Asked about voting this fall, 53 percent reported being less enthusiastic than in previous midterm elections, while 35 percent said they were more enthusiastic, a big drop in voter enthusiasm from the 2010 midterms.

Republicans are ahead in voter enthusiasm, with 42 percent of GOP and right-leaning independent voters more enthusiastic and 50 percent less enthusiastic, for an 8-point deficit. However, Democrats have a much larger 23-point gap, with just 32 percent of Democratic and left-leaning independent voters more enthusiastic and 55 percent less. In the past three midterm elections, in 2010, 2006 and 2002, the party whose supporters had higher enthusiasm ratings did better at the polls.

Back in 2010, when Republicans had their wave election to take control of the House and gain several seats in the Senate, GOP voters had a 34-point net enthusiasm surplus.