Michael McDonald and Brian Miller USA Today oped:

Political engagement in America is surging.  More than 118 million people participated in the November elections, marking the first time more than 100 million Americans voted in any midterm. Raw numbers can be misleading in an increasing population, but even the rate of turnout was historic, with more than half of eligible voters participating. The last time a midterm turnout rate was over 50 percent was more than a century ago, in 1914. 

This is a dramatic change from just four years ago, when the 2014 midterms had the lowest turnout rate since 1942. 

What explains the amazing, tremendous return to Americans being great Americans again? The obvious answer is President Donald Trump. Whether you love him or you hate him, he inflames passions. And when people want to express themselves, they will. The 2020 presidential election promises to be another 100-year storm of voters.

Yet these pats on the back are because only half of eligible citizens voted in the last midterm elections, and maybe two-thirds will vote in the upcoming presidential election. Our new America Goes to the Polls 2018report shows how we can do better.