Voter turnout in Warren and Madison Counties was among the highest in the state in the Nov. 3 election. The statewide average was 75.77% of registered voters who actually voted. In Warren County, the turnout was 81.99%, sixth-best in the state. In Madison County turnout was 80.80%, 10th best in the state.
In 2018, the statewide turnout was 66.33%. The Warren County turnout was 72.03%, fourth-best in the state. The Madison County turnout was 70.17%, 11th best in the state. Of course, voter turnout is always lower in years when there is no presidential election.
U.S. Unemployment Continues Downward
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate in the U. S. for October was 6.9%. This is 1% less than in September. The total number of unemployed persons fell to 11.1 million, down from 12.6 million in September. The number of persons who usually work full time was up by 1.2 million to 123.6 million. The number who usually work part-time rose by 1 million to 26.2 million. The labor participation rate increased by .3% to 61.7%.
The October numbers for Iowa will be available soon. Iowa workforce development says that this time of the year is a time when unemployment claims normally increase with layoffs in construction, agriculture, landscaping and manufacturing due to seasonal layoffs.
Nearly Status Quo for States
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the election resulted in few changes at the state level, in terms of which party controls the legislature and which party holds the governor’s office. Before the election Republicans controlled 29 legislatures and Democrats controlled 19, with 1 (Minnesota) divided. The 2020 election made only 1 change. Republicans took control of the New Hampshire legislature. Republicans now control 30 legislatures and Democrats control 18.
However, the Alaska House has been governed by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats with an Independent speaker. Apparently, the Republicans are uniting so there will now be a Republican speaker. There are 27 Republican governors and 23 Democrat governors. Republicans have the governor’s office and both chambers of the legislature in 24 states and the Democrats have 15.
In the U.S. House, Republicans have gained at least 8 seats with others still undecided. Republicans reportedly have the edge in most of the undecided races. You probably know that 1 of those races in Iowa’s 2nd district where Mariannette Miller-Meeks has a small lead.
