Nov. 8th is less than a week away. If you haven’t voted in the midterm elections, here’s your reminder!
Who we have representing us in Congress impacts every part of our lives, from our home life to our communities, to small (and large) businesses, not to mention workers. Unfortunately, only around 40% of all eligible voters participate in midterm elections, like the one we have coming up on Nov. 8th.
Midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections and can significantly shape the future of our nation.
Your voice matters! So if you haven’t submitted your ballot yet—now is the time. If you’re still not convinced, here’s why you should get out and vote, especially this year.
Why should I care about the midterms?
Unlike presidential elections that only happen every four years, midterms happen every two years and open up our chance to make real changes in congress.
Since members of the House are elected for two-year terms, all 435 seats are up for grabs during the midterm elections.
Senators are staggered at six-year terms, so 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will open up as well.
The party that holds the majority in congress has substantial influence over what the president can do within their term and what bills or legislation gets passed.
What’s at stake this year?
Currently, the Democrats have the majority in both chambers of Congress and, of course, the presidency. This is great for The Biden Administration and checking off the goals of their agenda.
Losing that majority in either the House or Senate will make life much, much harder for the Democratic Party—and really everyone—as it becomes more challenging to pass any legislation, especially when our two-party system is as polarized as it is today.
Historically, the odds are not in favor of the Biden Administration. Trends of the past show that whichever party has the presidency loses one or both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.
Luckily, Democrats were polling well after the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, sparking hope for the Democratic Party that the midterm elections would defy historical political trends.
If the Republican Party wins the House or Senate, they could approve investigations into the Democratic Party’s decisions, including the search of Trump’s Mar-a-Largo residence, to prove wrong-doing. According to the New York Times, “Some Republicans have also pledged to impeach the president.”
In addition, to which political party has power in Congress—36 state governorships are up for grabs this midterm cycle, as well as some states’ Secretary of State and other important local measures.
So, midterm elections won’t just determine whether or not the last two years of Biden’s presidency are in a constant stalemate. Local elections will also shape how our nation addresses pressing issues like the economy, future elections and voting, crime and gun control, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion rights.
Everything is on the line this November 8th—so your vote should not be taken lightly.
We all must participate in our democracy and use our votes to build the future we want to see.
So get out and vote! Check out Rock the Vote for more information on deadlines, voting options, and anything else you might have questions about regarding your state’s election process.