How Student Loan Default Rates Could Impact Midterm Voters
Surging default rates and the prospect of wage garnishment could create a larger affordability issue ahead of the midterms.
The rising student loan default rates and the prospect of wage garnishment could significantly impact midterm voters in the upcoming November 3 elections. As of June 30, 9.3 million federal student loan borrowers were in default, and another 1.5 million were in late-stage delinquency, with $234 billion, or roughly 14 percent of the nation's $1.7 trillion student debt load, in default.
This issue may become the most pressing concern for voters facing higher monthly repayment amounts and potential wage garnishment. Recent surveys show that 88 percent of respondents said their student loan experience would affect their midterm vote, with 71 percent believing it would have a significant influence. The Trump administration's changes to the Department of Education and the impending collection efforts against defaulting borrowers may exacerbate the issue, particularly in competitive Senate races in Texas and Ohio, as well as in nine House battleground districts with delinquency rates above the national average.
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