Virginia

Democrats have huge turnout during Presidential election years. And then, in the off-years, turnout plummets. Why is that?

One of my theories is that Democrats still don't understand that off-year elections are BASE elections. You can't run around worrying about converting the other side - you have to turn out your own voters. And that takes repeated reinforcement. We have to emphasize that it is important to vote in every election, from president down to dog catcher. And don't worry about converting the other side - it's not going to happen!

Also, Democrats have been hiring these same consultants since 2010 who tell them that they have to moderate their stance in off-year elections to appeal to the mythical "moderates." That is total baloney.