The outcome of the U.S. midterm elections will likely impact U.S. policy toward Latin America. AS/COA Online takes a look at the debates over free trade, Californian drug policy, border security, and immigration.

"Speculation is rampant in Washington that the November 2 mid-term elections will usher in a new phase of trade expansion for the United States," argues Eric Farnsworth in an op-ed for The Miami Herald.

The campaign ahead of the second round election on October 31 will allow Dilma Rousseff to be better prepared for the realities of politics once she is likely confirmed as president.

Latino voters could play a crucial role in a number of elections across the country, with immigration and economic issues affecting which way they vote. AS/COA Online looks at key races.

Ecuador declared a state of emergency September 30 after police clashed with President Rafael Correa and his supporters, sparking a national crisis. Access an AS/COA resource guide to reactions and coverage.

Dilma Rousseff, heir apparent of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, won Sunday's election but fell a few points short of the majority vote needed to avoid a second round. She faces José Serra in an October 31 runoff and remains the favorite.

In the September 26 parliamentary election, an opposition coalition ended the two-thirds majority control over the National Assembly held by President Hugo Chávez’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela.