2026 Midterm Elections Show Mixed Turnout and Democratic Gains
Voter turnout varied across Southern Illinois and Indiana, with the Democratic Party flipping key local seats in Allen County, Indiana.
The 2026 midterm elections produced divergent voter turnout results across the Midwest. In Southern Illinois, participation trends were split; Williamson County reached its highest number of registered voters since 2008 with a 50% turnout, and Jackson County saw 55% turnout. Conversely, Union County recorded its lowest midterm ballot count since 2014, with turnout dropping to 48% from 59% in 2022. Franklin County and Perry County also experienced declines in participation or registration.
In Indiana, statewide turnout reached 42%. In Allen County, the Democratic Party flipped both county commissioner seats and two County Council posts. Turnout in the county rose to 39.6%, with 107,398 ballots cast. Unofficial results show a significant shift in party loyalty: Democratic straight-ticket votes increased by 55% to 26,141, the highest level in at least 19 years, while Republican straight-ticket votes fell by approximately 16% to 27,264.
Local party leaders responded to the shift in Allen County. Democratic Chairman Chad Wierzbinski noted that voters were passionate about desired changes and pledged that the party would deliver. Republican Chairman Steve Shine stated he was glad people participated to make their views known regarding the appropriate direction for the county.
