Social Explorer users have access to a century of election data maps from Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections. Leading up to Election Day, we are focusing on different map features. (For an overview, get started with our introductory election maps post.)

Users can explore election result maps alongside and socioeconomic factors. See how the election results fit into a larger context with our side-by-side maps. In this example, we'll look at variables related to the top election issues for different presidential election years. A combination of issues motivates each voter, but insights can appear through examining some of the top ones.

According to the October 2012 Gallup poll, voters were most concerned about "the economy in general" leading up to the election. This pair of maps compares the median household income (left map) with the election results (right map). We zoomed in on Ohio since it is a swing state where candidates spend a lot of time campaigning.

The competitiveness map gives an overview of how close or far apart each race was (blue for Democrat, red for Republican and brighter colors for larger margins of victory). The median household income for Ohio was $48,246 ($4,800 less than the national median). Mouseover to see the margin of victory and median income in your county. (Zoom in for more detail.)

The second most important issue for 2012 voters was unemployment. In Ohio, the unemployment rate was 9.7 percent, similar to the nationwide rate of 9.3 percent. The next set of maps compares the unemployment rate (left map) with the election results (right map). Zoom in and out to explore more.

Back in 2000, education ranked as the top issue for voters. The following maps show the under 18 population (left map) and the election results (right map). In Ohio, 25.4 percent of residents were under 18 most likely in school or soon to attend.

Use Social Explorer's election maps to learn more about the country's demographics and election results. (Start with the above maps, or click here to find out more about creating your own side-by-side election and demography map.)

Find out more about Social Explorer election maps through our other how-to blog posts between now and election day, and by watching our video with Social Explorer's Andrew Beveridge.