Midterm Election 2022: How you can get involved this election season
September 22, 2022
Every four years, in November, community members often run into long lines of people forming outside of schools, libraries, and other community centers as they cast their vote for the Presidential Election. Months before the election, there are signs taped up in local coffee shops and restaurants, encouraging people to register to vote so that their voice can be heard.
The Midterm Elections are equally as important as the Presidential Election. Midterm elections take place every two years, in the middle of the President’s four-year term.
Here are ways you can get involved this election season:
Know what’s on your Ballot
This year, members of Congress are up for election, as well as other statewide and local offices. The House of Representatives and the Senate make up the United States Congress. The responsibilities of the U.S. Congress is to create and pass laws that influence our daily lives and hold the executive branch accountable.
- House of Representatives
All members of the U.S. House of Representatives must run for office every two years. These are the group of elected officials who make and pass federal laws. - Senate
This year, 35 of the100 seats in the U.S. Senate are up for election. The Senate is the group of elected officials who act as a counter-balance to the House of Representatives and also make and pass federal laws. - Other Offices
Offices that may be on your ballot include, but are not limited to: Governor, Attorney general, Secretary of State, Board of Governors, and School Board members. Each state and locality has different seats open for election. You can request that your state mails you a sample ballot, or use this portal to download what your ballot may look like in your state.
Register to Vote and know your State’s deadlines
Each state creates its own voting rules. You may be able to register online, in person, or at your local election office. You can check your states’ specific rules here.
Know your polling location
When you are registered to vote, you will receive a card in the mail that states your voting precinct. If you do not receive your card in the mail, contact your local election center. You can use your state’s online portal to check your voting location as well as your voter registration status. If you recently registered to vote, it may take up to 30 days before your information is updated in your state’s system.
Vote early
Voting early can help eliminate waiting in long lines and provides more flexibility for people whose work and/or school schedules do not align with Election Day. Always check your state’s rules around voting early, some states do not allow early voting and not all early voting occurs in the same timeframe.