America’s midterms: how they affect our democracy

By Maxwell de Liberato

Canada is a long-time major trading partner with the U.S. and this long-standing relationship has had more ups than downs over the years. With the U.S. midterms over it leaves Canadians wondering where the relationship is headed.

Over 35 per cent of Ontario’s exports are in the automotive industry. Most of these vehicles exported go to the U.S. Negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal have yet to be closed and these negotiations could have a heavy impact on Ontario’s economy if not passed.

“That’s the one we’re going to be watching to see whether or not they’re going to pass it. The consensus says they will,” said Lydia Miljan, University of Windsor professor of political science.

The U.S. reached some milestones this election, electing their first First Nations and Muslim women representatives to Congress: a big move in making the U.S. government more diverse.

“If politics are not diverse than those people who don’t show in politics will feel alienated,” said,William Anderson, also a University of Windsor political science professor.

The would-be first black female governor, Stacey Abrams, lost Georgia by less than two per cent.

Across the U.S., a staggeringly low amount of Americans voted in the midterm elections. Approximately 48 per cent voted, in comparison to the 68.5 per cent voter turnout in Canada’s federal election in 2015.

“People say they aren’t interested but those interested have the say,” said Anderson.

With a 7.5 per cent decrease in voter turnout since the 2016 presidential election, it leaves questions as to why Americans are not turning up for elections and if they care about the political process or feel represented.

“In general I don’t think it’s that much of a problem,” said Anderson “It’s a social problem of a low level of participation in the political process.”

Anderson says it’s better if they don’t vote if they don’t have an opinion.

“Otherwise they’re going to vote in a very opportune way,” said Anderson.

Despite a lower voter turnout than 2016, it was the Democrats that came out on top this election with a majority vote in Congress.

Canada’s foreign policy remains unaffected by Congress with the extreme exception of a war breaking out in North America. Newly elected governors and Congress members will have little effect on Canadian politics as long as a fair trade agreement can be maintained.

One thing that can come from the Democrat’s victory in this past midterm election is the strength they hold in their new position to pressure U.S. President Donald Trump to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The Democrats will continue to push the closure of the USMCA negotiations, with a fair outcome possibly lifting the tariffs on Canada trade.