ELECTION CENTER

Elections 101

What now?

The election changes how the Senate and the GOP-led House will handle the economy, health care and other issues that affect millions.
FULL STORY | 2012 RACES

Anger + anxiety

Voter feelings about the economy helped propel Republicans to a sweeping takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives.
FULL STORY | UNDECIDED RACES
Races to Watch

What social networkers are posting about the midterms.
FULL STORY

 

Breaking down winners and losers by the numbers.
SENATE | HOUSE | GOVERNOR

 

Were voting lines long? Who turned out?
FULL STORY


Why It Matters
U.S. midterm voters choose who makes decisions that touch millions of American lives. These issues range from taxes and national security to Social Security benefits and Medicare. More reasons midterms matter:
REINS OF POWER
Leadership is determined by the party with the most seats in each house of Congress
Capital With Republicans back in control of the House of Representatives, a new power structure will emerge. House Republican Leader John Boehner is poised to lead the House GOP agenda, which promises to cut spending, repeal parts of President Obama's health care program and push targeted tax cuts for small businesses, which they say will lead to job growth.
ELECTIONS THAT AFFECT YOU
Why should voters care about elections in other states?
Districts Elections in Ohio, Texas, New York and elsewhere will directly impact the lives of millions of Americans nationwide. Why? Because everything from education policy to health care and taxes goes through the U.S. House of Representatives, and which party is in control makes a big difference. The balance of power could hinge on who gets elected governor in states far from yours.
REDISTRICTING
The redrawing of U.S. House district boundaries is required every 10 years
Districts The Constitution mandates that U.S. House districts be adjusted every decade to ensure equal representation based on population shifts. State governors and legislators will help draw new boundaries based on the 2010 Census. Redistricting can affect the House balance of power and can lead to accusations of "gerrymandering."
THE ISSUES
Americans told pollsters which issues are most important. Among them:
Economy

Leaders clash over bailouts, stimulus money and jobs. FULL STORY

Health care

Congress passed reform, but the debate still rages. FULL STORY

Budget deficit

Washington's mounting budget deficit sparks concern. FULL STORY

Track the battle for Congress
CNN's Polling Center includes every major public poll covering national trends and issues as well as selected House, Senate and gubernatorial races.

Who won in previous years?

Relive past presidential contests and see how the balance of power has changed in the U.S. House and Senate over time.