Why the Midterm Elections Matter

Students holding buttons at voter registration
Many young people will have their first chance to vote during midterm elections this November.

On Tuesday, November 6, voters will go to the polls to vote for members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. All 435 members of the House and 35 of the 100 members of the Senate are up for election.

The Republican party is currently in charge because they control 241 seats in the House, 51 seats in the Senate, and the White House. This year’s midterms are important because the party that controls the House and the Senate will have the most say in the direction that our country takes for at least the next two years. If the Democrats want to be in control, they need to keep all the seats they now have and win 24 more seats in the House of Representatives. They also need to keep all of their current Senate seats and pick up two more seats. The Republicans need to maintain the seats they currently have to keep control of both the House and the Senate.

In addition to the national elections there are also important elections in states around the country. Thirty-six states are electing governors. There are also elections for state senators and representatives. The elections will have an important impact on how these states are governed.

There are many people running in the midterm elections at the national, state, and local levels who are new to politics. These people believe that our government is not addressing the most important needs of the American people. They believe that it’s time for new ideas and new ways of working in government. Many of these newcomers are women and members of minority groups who haven’t had representatives in our government before this. They believe it’s time for their voices to be heard in our government.

The midterm elections at all levels are important to the people of the United States. That’s why it matters so much that everyone who is eligible gets out and votes!

What Do You Think? Why do you think people should exercise their right to vote?

Photo Credit: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images