The midterm elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8. This year all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be challenged. Currently, the Democratic party holds the majority in both the House and the Senate.

Midterm elections take place halfway between an U.S. president’s term. Midterm elections are determined by popular vote while presidential elections are through the Electoral College.

Though the stakes are high, midterm elections don’t see as high of a voter turnout as the presidential election. According to Fairvote.org, 60% of eligible voters vote in the presidential elections while only 40% vote during midterms.  

Local midterms positions include mayor, state representative and senator, governor, and other state legislators.

The results of the midterm elections are impactful on a local scale. The issues and policy decisions made by the elected officials are going to determine where a citizen’s tax money goes. Voters must choose carefully, because the election results will affect policies concerning their homes, schools, infrastructure, and many other things in their community.

Shane Foster, a candidate running for mayor of Sherwood, Arkansas says, “The main reason I’m running for mayor is to make sure everyone in the city is informed on projects, and city revenue and to give everyone a place to live, work and enjoy. Everyone deserves to know how our tax dollars are spent and to know that they will benefit everyone.”

Unsung heroes of the election process include poll workers. Poll workers play an important role in ensuring the strength and integrity of the voting process. They assist voters on election day and help create a positive voting environment. Lines can get long and move slow so poll workers are there to make sure everyone is following the rules.

Donna Cox, a poll worker, explains, “We need poll workers and watchers to ensure election integrity and making sure we have fair elections.”

Other important election staff include election commissioners who train poll workers while providing locations for early voting. They also have to certify the results of the elections.

Election Commissioner of Pulaski County Michael Massucco says, “As an election commissioner, I have enjoyed learning about all the procedures required to execute a secure and accurate election process. It is my civic duty, as well as that, of every citizen, to participate in our election process.”

Overall, midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections, even if they only affect smaller communities.