Oles in the News: Institute Director talks about exit polls

St. Olaf College | News

November 10, 2026

Oles in the News: Institute Director talks about exit polls

Professor of Political Science Chris Chapp speaks to a crowd about why voter engagement is so important at St. Olaf College. — Professor of Political Science Chris Chapp speaks about why voter engagement is so important at St. Olaf. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26

Twin Cities NBC affiliate KARE 11 spoke with the Morrison Family Director of the Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community Chris Chapp on the issues that concerned voters most during the midterm elections.

Chapp, who is also a professor of political science at St. Olaf College, pointed out that according to an NBC exit poll, the top issue for voters was the economy. He noted that while 39 percent of respondents indicated this was their top priority, the “state of democracy” was the second most important issue for voters polled.

“A lot of voters are saying the state of democracy,” Chapp explained. “That’s interesting because it’s not a pocketbook issue per se.”

Watch the full story on KARE 11’s YouTube Channel.