The Supreme Court has issued what's likely to be its final word on partisan gerrymandering, saying it's a political issue, not a legal one. That means reform lies in the hands of voters. It's often more effective, cheaper and less controversial than other efforts to confront climate change. Showing up at school board meetings might not sound as exciting as marching in the streets. But it can be an effective way to change things at the local level. Despite the #MeToo movement, women in politics still face challenges in talking openly about gender equality. Republican women face higher barriers to reaching elected office. A GOP allergy to identity politics plays a role too. Republicans have sought to limit Medicaid, and a key component of those efforts is requiring that those who receive Medicaid benefits work. But many already do, and others can't, a scholar explains. Not all victories in the 2018 midterms were electoral. While a record number of women are headed to Congress, a number of conservative measures passed across states. What explains this? The Voting Rights Act offers language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency. What can we learn from an Idaho county's experience offering foreign-language ballots? Men and women are not unified voting blocs. We must consider how voters identify themselves in terms of gender to truly understand how women and men think about politics. But many new governors and members of Congress intend to take action on climate change. Research shows that women work more collaboratively than men in groups and create more inclusive solutions to thorny problems. More women in Washington could bridge America's yawning partisan divide. In the next Congress, white men will make up 60 percent of the House and 71 percent of the Senate – a historic low. After a year of headlines and ousted CEOs, Congress has yet to pass a single piece of legislation on sexual harassment – let alone hold a hearing. That may change as lawmakers get to work in 2019. A survey shows the newest generation on the voting block is extremely cynical, and that drove record numbers of them out to vote. In Iowa, almost 40 percent of residents can't afford the basic cost of living. That was the setting for the 2018 midterm elections, where rural voters are suffering along with their communities. As House Democrats prepare their agenda for the next two years, dealing with America's massive fiscal gap should be at the top of their list. Big oil and gas companies spent far more fighting this ballot initiative than the measure's supporters did. Record high Latino participation shows this growing voter segment will turn out for parties and politicians who tackle issues they care about. That's a big lesson for 2020 – and not just for Dems. Several states now have their first female senator and more than 100 women will enter the House of Representatives.