Election coverage is not for the faint-hearted. It’s often messy and loud and vicious – and that’s just around the family dinner table. Media tends to take the herd approach, focusing on candidates and the conundrums swirling around them.

State Affairs has decided to break away from the (media) pack and take this year’s midterms to the streets or, more importantly, to the everyday citizen.

We can’t be in all 159 counties or talk to all of Georgia’s 7 million-plus registered voters. So we’ve assembled 10 Georgians from diverse political and social backgrounds from throughout the state. They’ll help report this year’s midterm election, which is a culmination of two years of political unrest, mistrust and division. Vitriol aside, this is an important election that could have a dire impact on democracy and change the direction of this country for years to come.

“As a news organization, we believe firmly that diversity in voices, experiences and even political persuasion is critical in  telling the stories of all Georgians,” said Alison Bethel, founding editor-in-chief of State Affairs. “We are excited to engage with these residents of the great state of Georgia to help draw attention to the kitchen table issues they, their neighbors, family and friends care most about.”

Over the next month, the group will be asked to weigh in on issues such as inflation, abortion, preserving democracy, healthcare and immigration – topics Georgians have deemed to be of greatest importance to them. We’ll check in with them weekly and report what they have to say. It’s a small but important glimpse into what Georgia voters may be thinking.

On election day, “The E-Team,” as we call them, will be the eyes and ears in their communities, helping State Affairs chronicle what their family, friends, neighbors and other citizens are thinking and saying about one of the most important and contentious midterms in modern memory.

Without further ado, meet our team:

Catch-up with our E-Team:

Georgia Votes: Inflation remains top of mind for Georgians

Georgia Votes: Inflation remains top of mind for Georgians (pt. 2)

ELECTION FOCUS GROUP: ON HEALTH CARE COSTS, MEDICAID EXPANSION AND ABORTION RIGHTS (PT.1)

ELECTION FOCUS GROUP: ON HEALTH CARE COSTS, MEDICAID EXPANSION AND ABORTION RIGHTS (PT. 2)

ELECTION FOCUS GROUP (PT. 1): DEMOCRACY FACES CHALLENGES, BUT OPTIMISM REMAINS STRONG

ELECTION FOCUS GROUP (PT. 2): DEMOCRACY FACES CHALLENGES, BUT OPTIMISM REMAINS STRONG

CONCERNS OVER CRIME CRITICAL IN MIDTERMS FOR ELECTION FOCUS GROUP (PT. 1)

Concerns over crime critical in midterms (Pt 2): Election Focus Group