If journalists can’t explain an election, we haven’t finished the job

Election results tell us how people voted, but understanding why requires better data — and deeper reporting

Understanding the American electorate has never been more important or more challenging, especially for journalists.

We know the country is polarized and that voters in both parties are angry. But knowing exactly why, or what might shift elections, is increasingly difficult. Candidates and campaigns tailor their messaging to specific voter groups in ways that are often hard to track. The issues that motivate voters largely depend on curated news sources and social media algorithms.