This November, Midterm elections (so-called because the current President is midway through their term, and therefore the Presidential race is not on the ballot) will happen on November 8. Midterms sometimes fly under the radar, yet they couldn’t be more important to our communities, both locally and nationally. Here are 3 reasons you should care about midterms, 5 key races to watch, and 6 useful resources as you make your midterm voting plan!
1) Midterms Determine Control of Congress for the Next Two Years
One of the most high-profile ways midterm results impact us is by deciding who controls the U.S. Congress (U.S House of Representatives and U.S. Senate) for the next two years. This means that midterm elections decide who gets to pass (or block) laws nationally for two whole years. Basically, midterms determine the legislative future of the U.S. Especially during a time when the Supreme Court has been acting in regressive ways to limit Americans’ freedoms and rights, leaving legislative action as one of the only ways to guarantee things like reproductive freedom and gun safety, it’s hard to think of many things more meaningful than that.
2) Midterms Determine Control of State Government
Just like how midterms shape national government, they also shape state government. Midterm elections will decide who controls the Minnesota House of Representatives, Minnesota Senate, and this year, who is our Governor and Lieutenant Governor. That means midterms will determine who makes our laws for the next two years, and who wields the Governor’s executive authority for the next four years.
3) Midterms Shape the Leadership of our Local Communities and Schools
On many midterm ballots are County offices (such as County Attorney and County Sheriff) and School Board roles. These often low-profile positions actually wield a lot of power in our day-to-day lives. School Boards shape the education our communities can access, and play a pivotal role in our ongoing push for Ethnic Studies in Minnesota schools. Meanwhile, Country Attorneys shape our legal system at the local level, and County Sheriffs have broad oversight over police and prisons. Schools, the justice system, public safety: all of these are key factors and issues in our communities. And they are all shaped by our midterm vote.
1) Statewide: Governor and Lieutenant Governor
On every Minnesota ballot this year is the race for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. As the #1 and #2 state officials in Minnesota, these are hugely influential roles. The Governor’s office is responsible for signing into law or vetoing legislation, and is also able to shape statewide policy through executive action. You can essentially think of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor as the President and Vice President of our state! The winners of this year’s elections will hold office for 4 years.
2) Statewide: State Attorney General
Like the races for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the race for Attorney General will be on all Minnesota ballots this election. As the chief law enforcement official of Minnesota, the State Attorney General has tremendous influence over the laws in our state, shaping policy on everything from reproductive justice to environment to public safety through legal action. The State Attorney General also has power nationally, as they can act on behalf of the people of Minnesota in support or objection to national laws. State Attorney General terms of office are 4 years long.
3) U.S. Congress: Representatives
U.S. House of Representatives members run every two years and this year is no exception. With the exception of folks living in District 1 (where a special election was held in August), you will have the chance to vote for the person who will represent you and your community in Congress this November. As the most locally-connected national representative in office, Representatives are our voice in Congress, shaping laws and voting for and against national legislation.
4) Minnesota Congress: Representatives
Every two years, voters also elect our state representatives in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As our local lawmakers in the State Congress, these representatives can be powerful advocates for our communities and create state laws from the ground up.
5) Local: County Sheriff
On some Minnesota ballots this election will be the race for County Sheriff. As an influential overseeing figure in local law enforcement, the County Sheriff makes decisions with big effects on our communities’ safety. This includes deciding the level of collusion between local law enforcement and ICE, and setting the tone for how transparent law enforcement will be with the people it serves. County Sheriffs serve 4 years in office.
-Learn more about Voting 101 and see select candidates’ policies and platforms in our AAOP Voter Guide!
-View a customizable sample ballot to learn what races you’ll be voting for, and familiarize yourself with the ballot format!
-Find out how to vote early by mail, and track your ballot once you’ve submitted it!
-Find out how and where to vote early in-person!
-Voting on election day, November 8? Find your poll location!
Midterm elections can have huge impacts on us as individuals and a community. They also give us a powerful opportunity to make our voices heard by voting, and by encouraging our friends and family to vote too. So scroll through a voting guide or two, make your voting plan, and let’s go vote to support our needs, goals, and dreams!