This Tuesday, November 8, the American midterm elections are taking place, which means it’s time to head to the polls to choose new members for Congress and state and local governors. This election is also considered a referendum on the first two years of the sitting president.
This year, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate are up for grabs. Thirty-nine elections for state and territorial governors, as well as numerous other local elections, are also happening. As the American electoral system allows for early voting and mail-in ballots, about 40 million Americans have already voted.
According to pre-election polling, Democrats are at risk of losing control of the House of Representatives. Republicans, in turn, are increasingly hopeful about gaining a majority in the Senate as well. This outcome could put President Joe Biden in a difficult position, as in this scenario, he would have to govern with a minority in both the House and the Senate. Currently, the Democratic Party holds a majority in both chambers.
Typically, the party of the sitting president is more exposed during midterm elections. But this year, it is especially difficult for the Democrats, as the party faces a grim political environment due to record-high inflation, which has raised the cost of living to the highest level in 40 years, and growing fears of a recession next year.
If you are an American citizen, you can and should vote. Many people are only interested in voting during general elections, that is, for president; however, choosing legislators and state and local leaders is just as important. However, it is necessary to be registered to vote. The deadline to register has already passed in most states, which require this to be done well in advance. To find out how to register to vote, visit: www.vote.org.