A midterm election guide: Congress, key dates and your vote

As midterm elections are less than a month away, some students have likely seen advertisements and social media posts instructing viewers to vote. However, specific logistics, outcomes and functions of this electoral event are often misunderstood. Such unfamiliarity with this process can limit voter involvement and civic participation, as highlighted by U.S. Polling Data’s low voter turnout rates during midterm cycles. To bridge this gap, let’s break down the core functions and aspects of midterm elections as they pertain to college students in Illinois. Whether you choose to vote one way or another, understanding these rules can empower you to make informed decisions. 

At the center of this unfamiliar election cycle are the checks and balances present within Congress, the nation’s primary lawmaking body under the United States Constitution. This legislative body comprises the House of Representatives, consisting of 435 members, and the Senate, consisting of 100 members. Representatives serve two-year terms, in which all seats are up for election at the end of each term. 

On the other hand, Senators serve six-year terms, but only elections for one-third of these members take place every two years. Therefore, roughly 468 seats in Congress become open halfway through every presidential term. Midterm elections are where voters can decide who fills these seats. 

This biannual election serves as the halfway point of the current presidential term, in which voters are able to voice their opinions while shaping public policy and government focus for the second half of said term. By voting, the public is able to dictate which political party holds a majority between these chambers, as reported by Dr. Richard Witmer from Creighton University’s political science program. This can grant a particular party more influence over federal and state legislation, budget decisions and judicial confirmations. However, midterm elections do not solely include members of Congress; many of these midterm cycles include positions such as governorships and municipal boards. 

Those elected in this cycle will be on the front lines, making choices regarding legislative and ordinance adoption, budget and financial approval, appointments and personnel, oversight of municipal salaries and the administration of public works and services. For college students and young voters, these decisions are crucial to the physical and socio-political sphere in their day-to-day lives. Therefore, these elections portray the scope and framework of voter opinion and public policy. 

To actually participate, voters should be aware of the rules and regulations that guide this process. Midterm elections occur every two years on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November across all fifty states simultaneously. In Illinois, voters do not need to provide voter identification other than a name and address, unless they are a first-time mail-in voter.