Why the 2018 Midterm Elections Matter: A Guide for Voters

When it comes to the 2018 midterm elections, it's not just a simple matter of amusing media headlines. These elections hold immense importance because they decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, which directly impact countless policies and decisions affecting the daily lives of Americans. Let's delve into why the 2018 midterm elections matter more than ever.

Understanding the Midterm Elections

The term midterm election is often misunderstood. Unlike presidential elections, midterm elections do not involve the selection of the President or Vice President. Instead, they are elections for U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, and other state and local offices. Every two years, one-third of U.S. Senators and all 435 U.S. Representatives are up for election.

Electoral Cycles

The House of Representatives and Senate have distinct electoral cycles:

U.S. House is elected every 2 years The U.S. Senate: Class 1 is elected every 6 years (2018, 2024, 2030, etc.) Class 2 is elected every 6 years (2020, 2026, 2032, etc.) Class 3 is elected every 6 years (2022, 2028, 2034, etc.)

Electors for U.S. President and Vice President are elected every 4 years during a general election in November, then they cast their votes in December for only one day.

Why the 2018 Midterm Elections Are Particularly Significant

One of the key reasons why the 2018 midterm elections were so significant is the balance of power in Congress. The outcome would determine whether the Republican Party retains control of both the House and Senate, or if the Democratic Party can take seats from them.

Impact on Policy and Politics

Without a unified party controlling both the House and Senate, policy-making can become extremely challenging. For instance, during the last two years, the Republican-led Congress has managed to drive significant economic progress. However, this progress might come to a halt if the Democrats regain control of either chamber or the entire government.

When Republicans lead the Senate and Democrats the House, they have to work together in Congress. This requires a delicate balance of compromise and negotiation. For the average voter, the issue is often not about which party wins but rather which party can effectively govern and address the nation's challenges.

Media Hypocrisy and Voter Engagement

Media coverage of midterm elections often plays into a narrative of spectacle and division, which can be misleading. While both parties can be seen as unsportsmanlike in their rhetoric and posturing, the outcomes of these elections matter deeply. If you feel that the past two years have been tumultuous and you want to slow the pace, voting Democratic is often seen as a way to achieve this. Conversely, if you support President Trump and his policies, you might feel the need to continue the momentum.

One of the key challenges in midterm elections is voter turnout. Traditional voter turnout for midterm elections tends to be lower than for presidential elections. This is because the stakes feel lower and the campaign coverage may not be as intense. However, every vote counts, and the growing influence of grassroots organizing and social media has made it easier to mobilize voters.

The Demographic Shift in Voting

Historically, voters who feel less connected to the current political climate are less likely to participate in midterm elections. This is where Democratic turnout often outpaces Republican turnout. They see these elections as an opportunity to be heard and to potentially change the direction of the government. However, Republicans, who are often in power, can sometimes become complacent, which can work to the advantage of the opposition.

Paul Ryan, the former Speaker of the House, is an interesting case. His decision to step down and not run for office might be seen as a warning sign. For a lifetime congressman to leave office while still in a position of power is unusual and suggests a lack of confidence in the future. This retirement was a bold move that sent a message about the political climate at the time.

What Are the Consequences of a Democratic House?

If the Democrats gain control of the House, they can wield significant power. The House has the authority to investigate, impeach, and bring to scrutiny the actions of the President and his administration. With a Democratic House, the break on the party in power would be considerably stronger.

Some of the actions the Democrats could take include:

Holding hearings to uncover corruption and wrongdoing Investigating and exposing financial irregularities and misuse of funds Addressing long-standing issues such as Puerto Rico's recovery and support Enforcing greater transparency and accountability

On the other hand, if Republicans retain control, they would have the ability to contain and potentially bury many of these issues. They would have significant power to suppress investigations and make it difficult for Democrats to make progress.

Conclusion

The 2018 midterm elections were crucial because they determined the balance of power in Congress. The outcome of these elections can have a profound impact on policy-making, governance, and the political direction of the nation. Understanding the significance of these elections and taking the time to vote is crucial for ensuring that the voice of the people is heard.