Midterms Are Just Around The Corner — Your Guide To 2022 Voting
(UnitedCause.com) – We are familiar with the US presidential elections— the most closely followed political contests globally. But, how much do you know about the midterm elections that are underway in 2022? Are you planning to vote? Do you know how to vote? What positions are you voting for?
The year 2022 is a big election period in the US. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans are only concerned about the presidential elections. Although your presidential candidate won’t be on the ballot, the country will remain in a full-election mood until November. The midterms will also significantly impact what President Biden can do for the remainder of his first term. There’s a lot at stake for the president—the party that will take control of Congress will make Biden’s remaining first term period a breeze or a nightmare.
What are Midterm Elections?
The midterms are exactly what the name suggests—they’re elections held halfway through the president’s four-year term. We cast votes to decide on everything else, from your local mayorship and city council position to governors, members of the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
The midterms rarely excite more than presidential elections. Despite increased civic engagement, the midterms usually experience a lower voter turnout. The lengthy ballots can be complex to decode. In the 2018 midterm elections, only around 28% of young people voted.
Who and What is On the Ballot?
Beyond the local issues and races, the midterm affects state representation in Congress. Congress comprises two Houses—the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has 435 representatives, each from a congressional district in every state. The Senate is comprised of 100 Senators, two representing each state. In the 2022 Midterms, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats are up for grabs. Unlike the presidential election that uses an electoral college, a popular vote determines the winners of midterm elections.
In the Senate, among the 34 seats up for grabs you’ll find 14 Democrats seeking reelection. Currently, Republicans run the show in the Senate with 50 seats. At the state level, 30 state attorney general and 36 governorship positions await new office holders.
Why Do Midterms Matter?
The midterm elections change the composition of Congress, essentially affecting how the incumbent president can get things done in the second half of his term and how Americans’ issues will be represented and addressed.
Both chambers of Congress must pass a bill to clear the floor of the Houses. So, currently, if one of the chambers turns against Democrats’ bills, Republicans can frustrate anything President Biden wants to do before the 2024 presidential elections. That doesn’t mean that bipartisanship is inexistent. Republicans and Democrats do work together on a number of issues. But the parties do not often see eye to eye on major issues at stake—including health care, gun rights, and federal government funding.
What Do You Need to be Ready for the Midterms?
Approximately 17 million young Americans will be eligible to vote between 2020 and 2024. So, if you have just attained the majority age, it’s time to vote and make your voice heard. Here is how to go about it:
- If you’re a new voter, register! If you’re already a registered voter, confirm whether your registration is up to date.
- Plan to vote. Will you vote in person or by email? If you choose the latter, request your ballot in advance to have sufficient time to decide.
- Research positions you need to vote for to make an informed decision.
- Vote—vote wisely depending on the issues you want to be represented in Congress and other positions.
The Midterms are well underway, and Americans across states are already experiencing the political atmosphere as hundreds of candidates make their interests heard through different mediums. Many issues await in Congress—that will determine how Americans’ needs will be addressed. With many things at stake—such as crime and gun policy, the economy and inflation, and abortion rights—the 2022 midterm election outcomes will be something to watch.
Copyright 2022, UnitedCause.com
