The Elections Are Over. Now What?

The voters have spoken in the midterm elections and two political experts will join us to decipher what the results mean for Minnesota and the nation. Political scientist Christopher Chapp will analyze the Congressional races and journalist Torey Van Oot the state and local contests. All welcome! Childcare is available upon request at editor@humanistsmn.org by Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The “red wave” never materialized, with Democrats doing better than expected nationally, sweeping all Minnesota state offices, and flipping the Minnesota Senate blue. What does that mean for issues humanists care about — abortion, medical aid in dying, LGBTQ rights, social justice, and separation of religion and government?

Among other observations about federal races, Chapp, associate professor of political science at St. Olaf College, will discuss exit polling he conducted in the battleground Congressional race that Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig’ won over Republican Tyler Kistner. He will also discuss the role of religion in U.S. politics, one of his research interests.

Torey Van Oot, a reporter for Axios-Twin Cities, will explain why Republicans failed in their bid to topple Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, retake the House, or keep their grip on the state Senate — and discuss the ramifications for key pieces of bottled-up legislation.

Join us at 3 p.m. to hear the presentations at HumanistsMN’s monthly Community Gathering. Discussion to follow. At 4:30 p.m. we’ll break for socializing over nibbles and drinks.

Chapp is Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community at St. Olaf College. He is author of Religious Rhetoric and American Politics: The Endurance of Civil Religion in Electoral Campaigns and is currently revising a book project with Paul Goren on the role of “moral issues” (abortion and LGBT rights) in American public opinion.

Van Oot covered the state midterm elections for Axios-Twin Cities, which publishes a daily newsletter about Minnesota politics, business, and culture.  She previously covered politics for the Star Tribune (including Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign) and contributed free lance articles to publications including the Washington Post, the Daily Beast, Glamour.com, and Public Radio International.

This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Join or donate at humanistsmn.org.

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