2022 Election Issues
In keeping with a commitment to the community and the media, the University of New Mexico provides its “2022 Election Experts” website accessible throughout election season. The 2022 election cycle is unique: inflation affecting the U.S. economy, an increasingly chaotic world political situation, and the role of the media has framed a particularly difficult election year.
Faculty and staff researchers at the University of New Mexico can help sort out the confusion for almost any audience.
Media members interested in interviewing UNM’s election experts may contact University Communication Director Steve Carr, scarr@unm.edu, (505) 277-1821 or University Communication Representative Savannah Peat, speat@unm.edu, (505) 277.1742.
Politics
Political issues play a big role in every election and 2022 is no different. The political divide in the U.S. is greater now maybe than ever before. Any number of questions are on voters minds ahead of the 2022 election including what will voter turnout look like? What issues are driving voters the most? Will upcoming Supreme Court cases impact the midterm elections?
How will the timing of big SCOTUS decisions impact voters? What other state races should voters stay informed on? Locally, will crime play a bigger role in this election cycle? Will there be any surprises in the state legislature? What will state officials be evaluated for ahead of midterms? What will New Mexico voters consider when heading to the polls?
Media
The media play an indispensable role in the proper functioning of a democracy. In a world dominated by mass communications, it is increasingly the media that determine the political agenda and narrative. Discussion of the media's functions within electoral contexts, often focuses on their role as a watchdog through the scrutiny and discussion of the successes and failures of candidates, governments, and electoral bodies. The media can inform the public of how effectively politicians have performed and help to hold elected officials accountable. How will media coverage affect the 2022 general election? Does media coverage on certain topics sway voters? What impact do attack ads have on voters? Is it normal to see multiple ads from multiple candidates? Why are some attack ads more ruthless than others?
Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic threw the U.S. economy into a tailspin. Serious economic issues have followed including inflation and talk of a possible recession. How will inflation impact races at the federal level? How could inflation's varied impact on different demographics dictate voting patterns? Will the state of the economy drive voters differently depending on where they live? How will the health of the economy impact New Mexico's elections?
