Terrorism, economy key voter issues: Your Say Interactive

Turnout for midterm elections may be low, but concerns about key election issues such as the economy and immigration remain high. Nearly 90% of Republican voters consider the economy a critical issue, while 78% of Democrats do. Which issues are the most important? The budget deficit and terrorism top the list for Republicans. The environment and health care are key issues for Democrats (see the interactive above for more details).

Despite voter concerns, midterm elections continue to garner lower turnout than presidential ones. In 2010, for example, 41% of the voter-eligible population went to the polls. Compare that with the nearly 60% who voted in the presidential election two years later.

And judging by a recent Pew Research Center survey, turnout this year might be even lower. Nearly half of Americans (45%) say they feel less enthusiastic about this election than previous ones; only 40% say they feel more enthusiastic. Interest in a midterm election hasn't been that low since 1998, when less than 40% of the voter-eligible population made it to the polls.

So what issues, if any, will drive you to the polls? What are the most important ballot measures in your state? Take a look at our reader conversation below. View the national conversation above. Then tell us what you think:

Economic and political power

The economy, terror, student loan debt and immigration all are vital issues that many running ignore.

—@NightclubGenius

You bet midterm elections matter. It's no surprise that the economy sucks with Democrats running the show. This is the worst recovery from a recession since World War II. Historically, the worse the recession, the stronger the recovery. Not this time. It's time to put Republicans in charge again in 2014, and especially in 2016, with super majorities so that Democrats can't block what needs to be done.

—Sal Maggiore

We must give power back to the legislature. No more executive orders.

—@racersteven8

Gun rights

Vote for candidates who can pass common-sense gun safety legislation!

—@GipsyAtHeart

Keeping guns from felons and domestic abusers and holding adults accountable for child gun deaths are important issues.

—@Kaargav

Clean Washington up

The 2014 election is a barometer. If the past six years of scandal, erosion of American influence and wishy-washy leadership hasn't taught the electorate anything, then we deserve continued rudderless government.

—James W. Davis

I agree that midterms matter, but if you aren't going to spend the time to really get informed, then please stay home.

Voting isn't just a right, but it's also a responsibility. You need to be informed on constitutional law, economics, history and current events.

Finally, make sure you are getting information from both sides of the aisle, and then make up your own mind.

—Mathew Andresen

This election is about adjusting the wrongs of the previous elections.

—Lou Creola

I will vote for anyone who will enforce our immigration laws and deport all undocumented immigrants.

—Charles Edward Brown

The only reason Republicans have a House majority is because of gerrymandering and the lack of Democrats who vote in midterms. Older, white males who make up the Republican Party are dying and with them Republican influence in the country. Republicans are on the wrong side of gay marriage, immigration and climate change. They may very well take the Senate, but with an Obama veto pen it won't mean much, especially since they will lose it in 2016. By 2020 or 2024, Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona will be trending Democratic. Today's Republican Party is nearing its end. And perhaps that will bring them back to the mantle of Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower. And that would be good for the country.

—Roy DLucca