The new, improved numbers for Republicans seem to stem at least partly from a drop in voter enthusiasm. In answer to the question, “Compared to previous elections, are you more enthusiastic about voting than usual, or less enthusiastic?” last June 49 percent of registered voters said more enthusiastic, while 36 percent said less enthusiastic. In the new poll, 42 percent say they are more enthusiastic, and 40 percent say less.

The drop is more pronounced among Democrats than Republicans. Last June 56 percent of Democrats and Democratic leaners said they were more enthusiastic, while 35 percent said less enthusiastic. Now, 46 percent of Democrats say they are more enthusiastic, while 43 percent say they are less enthusiastic.

Republicans have suffered a smaller decrease. In June, 43 percent said they were more enthusiastic, with 35 percent saying less enthusiastic. Now, 36 percent say they are more enthusiastic, with 40 percent saying they are less enthusiastic.