It’s very important to exercise your freedom as a U.S. citizens by participating in the election processes. That opportunity is officially upon us as the 2022 midterm elections have begun.

People tend to disregard these elections, in fact, the Enochs Eagle Eye staff conducted a poll on our official Instagram to get an idea of how many students were aware of the midterms. The results showed that 53% knew what the midterms were, 12% did not, and 34% had no idea what midterms meant. Being informed about these elections is crucial, as they have a major impact on our society. This article is meant to be a quick guide to help navigate those unfamiliar concepts with some information regarding the midterm elections. 

What are the midterm elections and when are they being held?

Midterm elections are held every two years. Therefore,  they sometimes fall in the middle of the current president’s term in office, hence the name mid-term. The midterm elections affect Congress. Seats for the House of Representatives are up, since members are elected every two years, and 34 seats will be up for the Senate this year since they are elected every 6 years. This is also the time when many states hold their state and local elections. 36 states will be electing their governors. This year, “election day” for the midterms is ongoing and will be mainly held on November 8th, 2022. 

Why are the midterm elections important?

The midterm elections are vital for Congress and for citizens in their respective states. The conclusion of the midterm elections will determine who has the majority (is in control) of the House and the Senate: Democrat or Republican. This will affect what gets done during the rest of President Biden’s presidential term. In citizens’ respective states, who is going to govern and who is going to be in the local and state offices will be determined. Not to mention, propositions (the power of the voters to determine whether to implement proposed changes to the state Constitution or other laws) will be decided. These are just a few of the elections that will all have some type of effect on citizens. 

How does the election affect students? Why should they care?

Many students at Enochs are or are almost at the legal age to vote. Therefore, it’s important to stay informed with events pertaining to politics. Soon enough this generation will be participating and becoming the majority, where their vote will be extremely important. Plus, some are old enough and having knowledge on everything gives you confidence when casting your votes. This election can affect students in many different ways. Propositions and legislation dealing with education or something you or your family can personally relate to could be mentioned. Who wins different positions could possibly affect you based on their political views and proposed legislation.

Voting?

Because the midterm elections have so much value it is highly recommended to participate in the voting period if you are of legal age to vote. You must register to vote before participating. In California, you can register online, or print out the voter registration form, fill it out, and mail it to your local office. Registering in person is also an option. You can vote by mail, or drop it in a drop-box before Election Day. Or you can vote in person. California does allow early voting so you can choose during the early period or on Election Day to cast your vote. 

It’s important to do your research before casting your votes. Make sure to look at all the candidates or propositions being decided and carefully cast your vote.

What state positions are up for grabs?

In California, there are state office positions that will be voted on. This includes the state governor. The incumbent is Gavin Newsom, and the opposing candidate is Brian Dahle.

California is also seeking state senators to represent 20 newly drawn districts and 80 state assembly positions. 

Propositions? 

Ballot propositions will affect that state’s Constitutions or other laws. According to ballotpedia. org, this year on the California ballot there are seven propositions to consider: 

• Proposition 1– This ballot would guarantee a state constitutional right to productive freedom, including the right to an abortion and to choose or refuse contraceptives.
• Proposition 26– This ballot would legalize sports betting at Tribal gaming casinos and licensed racetracks. 
• Proposition 27– This would allow licensed tribes and gaming companies to offer mobile and online sports betting for adults 21 and older outside the Native American tribal lands. 
•  Proposition 28– This would require funding for K-12 art and music education. 
• Proposition 29– This would impose new rules on dialysis clinics. It would require these clinics to have at least one physician, nurse, practitioner or physician assistant with six months of relevant experience on site. Clinics would need to report infection data to the state and publicly list physicians who have ownership interest of 5% or more in a clinic. Lastly, it would prohibit clinics from closing or reducing services without state approval and from refusing treatment to people based on their insurance type. 
• Proposition 30– This ballot would impose a 1.75% personal income tax increase on the top-earning Californians–for the share of their income above $2 million– per year to fund a suite of climate programs. The goal is to clean up the state’s dirty air and help meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. 
• Proposition 31– This ballot would decide whether to overturn a 2020 law that prohibits the sale of some flavored tobacco products. A “yes” vote upholds the current law; a “no” vote would strike down the law and allow the sale of flavored tobacco products. 

These descriptions and more in depth information about the propositions and state elections can be found on calmatters.org (2022 voter guide).

What congressional powers are up for grabs? 

The Democratic Party has held the majority in the Senate and House for the past two years and it has helped President Biden when it comes to passing laws. But, with seats up in both chambers, it’s possible for Democrats to lose control of Congress. According to the Washington Post, “…one of the surest trends in American politics is that the party that holds the White House loses seats in midterm elections.” Graphic.reuters.com and the Washington Post also report that about 53% of Americans disapprove of President Biden. Republicans might use this to help win control of the House and Senate. 

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the topic of abortion rights, the economy, inflation, education and schools, crime, etc., are all issues that will influence who and what voters will vote for this election. 

In order to gain control of the House, Republicans need to flip five Democratic seats. They need to win just one Democratic seat to take back control of the Senate for at least the next two years. If Republicans win Congress, there’s a possible action they might take. Republicans have been signaling their intention to be actively in opposition to President Biden’s agenda and the Democratic Party. For instance, they threatened to retaliate against Democrats for investigating Jan. 6, 2021 or censuring controversial Republican members of Congress. If Democrats keep control, they might be able to keep up on their liberal goals and objectives like strengthen protections for whistleblowers in the federal government and make it harder for a president to filter out federal government workers who don’t agree with them.

This article was made possible with these credible sources:

Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/California_2022_ballot_propositions

BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61274333

The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/03/what-are-midterm-elections/

CalMatters, https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2022/ 

 Rock the Vote, https://www.rockthevote.org/explainers/what-are-midterms/

Reuters Graphic, https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-BIDEN/POLL/nmopagnqapa/

Legislative Analyst’s Office, https://lao.ca.gov/ballotanalysis#:~:text=The%20proposition%20is%20the%20power,half%20of%20those%20being%20approved.