While we were deeply disappointed at our lack of success locally, we note that there was a small but measurable movement toward Democrats in our state and county: just under 2% in our direction statewide and 1.7% in Polk County. Furthermore, this trend continued across the entire 11th Congressional District.
Turnout was up for both parties in Polk. Overall, 76% of Polk's registered voters cast a ballot in the November 3 election. That's a record, and it's a good thing.
But the reality is that there are more Republican than Democratic voters in Polk County. 25% of Polk voters are registered Democrats, 37% are Republicans, and 38% are Unaffiliated -- but a strong majority of those independent voters appear to vote as Republicans.
In just about every race from president to state House of Representatives, Polk's results were virtually the same: 63% for the Republican candidate and 37% for the Democrat.
As pointed out in my last email, that translates to 1.7 GOP voters for every Democratic voter. That's a hard reality, but we must recognize it for what it is. You've often heard me say that there are more of us than you think, and that's true. But for now, there are more of them than there are of us.
Don't let it discourage you. We know beyond a doubt that we're on the right side of the issues and of history. Besides, we may be outnumbered locally, but we're way ahead nationally. We've elected our guy to the White House by a wide margin. We've elected the first woman and person of color to the vice presidency. And we can look forward to at least four years of competence and strong leadership. That's worth celebrating, wouldn't you say?
Our time will come in Polk County. In the meantime, we need to support one another, build our party, provide a welcoming alternative when voters are ready to come into the light, and live with our fellow community members.
Stay tuned for a new initiative to help us build our community of Democrats.
