What are Midterm Elections?
Midterm elections are held in the United States every four years and they refer to general elections in which the country votes for a new Congress. This includes elections for the US House of Representatives, the US Senate, Governor, and even local state and local officials. The “midterm” part of the phrase is in reference to the midpoint of the President’s term in office. As the Congress has its own four-year term, Midterm elections are the way for the people to shape the numbers in the Congress for the second half of a President’s term in Office.
Significance of Midterm Elections
Midterm elections are important because they provide an opportunity for U.S. citizens to make their voices heard and cast a ballot on their values and the candidates they wish to have in office. These elections often provide a “check” on the President and the other branches of government, as they ultimately shape the make-up of the branch and its power levels. A President’s power is determined by their support in the Congress, and midterm elections can significantly shift the structure of that support.
History of Midterm Elections
Midterm elections have been going on in some form or another in the United States for centuries. The Constitution of the United States mentions that members of the House of Representatives are to be elected by the people every two years and similar provisions exist for the Senate and the President. Midterm elections were first held for the first Congress in the late 1790s. Since then, midterm elections have been held every two years on the first Tuesday in November.
Differences Between Midterms and Presidential Elections
The main difference between Midterm Elections and Presidential Elections is that while they both affect the make-up of Congress, they are also used to measure public opinion around different hot-button issues that come up in election cycles. Presidential Elections are used to elect the leader of the country—the President—while Midterm Elections provide a general opinion around the issues at hand and provide an opportunity to set up the stage for the upcoming four years of national politics.
Key Differences between Midterm and Presidential Elections
• Midterm Elections are generally seen as a “referendum” on a President’s policies, while Presidential Elections are primarily focused on electing a President.
• Midterm Elections focus on state and local races for offices such as Governor, Mayor, and other local positions, while Presidential Elections are only for the highest office in the land—the President of the United States.
• Midterm Elections can potentially shift the make-up of the Congress and change the partisan makeup of state legislatures, while Presidential Elections only effect the President’s power and authority.
Who is Eligible to Vote in the Midterm Elections?
Every adult citizen of the United States is eligible to cast their ballot in the Midterm Elections, no matter whether they are registered to vote or not. The only requirement is that a person is a citizen and is over the age of 18. This means that even if people do not register to vote, they are still eligible to cast their ballot in the Midterm Elections.
Voter Registration
Although everyone is eligible to vote in the Midterm Elections, if you want to make sure that you are able to cast your ballot, then you will most likely need to register. Depending on the state, the process of registering to vote can be relatively simple, or it can be difficult and require you to provide a lot of paperwork. Every state has its own laws and regulations when it comes to voter registration, so make sure to do your research beforehand and make sure that you fulfill all the necessary requirements.
When is the Deadline to Register to Vote?
Typically, the deadline to register to vote in the Midterm Elections is around 30 days before the Election Day. However, this can vary from state to state—so make sure to do your research and find out the specific election laws of your state.
Absentee Voting
In some states, you may also be able to vote absentee. This is when you register and then request a ballot to be mailed to you before Election Day. You can then fill out the ballot and mail it back to the electoral commission before Election Day. This is a great way for people who are out of state, or those who cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, to cast their ballot.
Voting on Election Day
On Election Day, the polls are open for a certain amount of time. Typically, the polls are open from 8AM to around 7PM. It is important to make sure that you show up at the correct polling location with the proper identification. This can vary from state to state, so be sure to research the specific requirements of your state beforehand.
Voting Machines
Most polling locations on Election Day have voting machines that you enter your ballot on. These machines are set up to make sure that your vote is secure and that it is counted properly. Some states also have electronic voting machines that allow you to vote directly on the machine, rather than having to fill out a ballot.
Post-Election Process
Once the polls close, the votes are tallied and the results are typically released within a few hours. Depending on the state, you may also be able to find results online, or you may need to wait for the results to come out in the newspaper.
Reelection of Incumbents
In midterms, incumbents—the representatives who hold office prior to the election—do tend to have an advantage when it comes to getting reelected. This is mainly because incumbents have a history of getting reelected and tend to have more resources and visibility than the other candidates.
Midterm Elections are an important part of the political process in the United States and provide citizens with an opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of the nation. It’s important to make sure that you are registered to vote beforehand, and to make sure you are aware of the voting rules and regulations of both your state and the nation. With Midterm Elections approaching, now is the time to make sure you are ready to cast your ballot and be part of the future of the United States of America.
