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Midterm elections represent one of the most powerful opportunities for American citizens to shape the direction of their government. Held every two years between presidential elections, these contests determine control of Congress, state legislatures, governorships, and countless local offices. Understanding your role in this democratic process empowers you to make meaningful contributions to governance and policy decisions that affect your daily life, your community, and the nation as a whole.

While presidential elections often dominate media coverage and public attention, midterm elections carry enormous significance for the functioning of American democracy. They serve as a critical check on executive power, allow voters to express approval or disapproval of the current administration's performance, and determine which party controls the legislative agenda. Your participation in these elections directly influences everything from healthcare and education policy to infrastructure spending and environmental regulations.

Understanding Midterm Elections and Their Impact

Midterm elections occur in the middle of a president's four-year term, hence the name. These general elections are held in all states and the District of Columbia in even-numbered years between presidential elections, with all U.S. House seats up for election every two years and a third of U.S. Senate seats contested. Beyond federal races, midterms also include gubernatorial elections in many states, state legislative contests, and numerous local offices ranging from mayors to school board members.

The stakes in midterm elections are substantial. Control of Congress can shift dramatically, fundamentally altering the president's ability to advance their legislative agenda. State-level results determine who draws congressional district boundaries, sets education policy, manages state budgets, and responds to local crises. These elections shape policy outcomes that directly impact your taxes, schools, roads, healthcare access, and civil rights protections.

Historically, midterm elections have served as a referendum on the sitting president's performance. Voters often use these contests to express satisfaction or frustration with the current administration's policies and leadership. This dynamic creates opportunities for the party out of power to gain seats and influence, making midterms a crucial mechanism for maintaining democratic balance and accountability.

Election turnout in the United States tends to be much higher for presidential elections than for midterm elections. This pattern has persisted throughout American history, though recent midterms have shown encouraging signs of increased civic engagement.

In 2022, an estimated 46.8 percent of eligible voters in the United States participated in the midterm elections, which is slightly lower than the previous midterm election held in 2018, but remains generally high for a midterm election year. The 2018 election had the highest turnout rate for a midterm since 1914, with 49% turnout. Fifty-three percent of the citizen voting-age population voted in 2018, the highest midterm turnout in four decades.

These numbers reveal both progress and opportunity. While recent midterms have seen improved participation compared to historical lows, millions of eligible voters still remain on the sidelines. Nationwide, nearly 107.7 million valid votes were cast in the 2022 House elections, representing about 45.1% of the estimated voting-eligible population. This means that more than half of eligible Americans did not participate in determining who would represent them in Congress.

The relatively lower turnout in midterm elections compared to presidential contests means that each individual vote carries even greater weight. In many districts and states, races are decided by narrow margins where a few thousand—or even a few hundred—votes determine the outcome. Your participation can literally tip the balance in competitive contests.

A healthy democracy depends on widespread participation in elections, and when more citizens vote, elected representatives are more likely to truly reflect the people they're meant to serve. In contrast, low voter turnout can skew democracy toward the interests of a small segment of the population.

Demographic Patterns in Midterm Participation

Voter turnout varies significantly across different demographic groups, revealing important disparities in political participation. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, voter turnout went from 20 percent in 2014 to 36 percent in 2018, the largest percentage point increase for any age group—a 79 percent jump. This surge in youth participation demonstrates that younger Americans are increasingly recognizing their stake in electoral outcomes.

National youth turnout was 23% in 2022, lower than in the historic 2018 cycle when 28% of youth voted, but much higher than in 2014, when only 13% of youth voted. After hovering around 20% turnout in midterm elections since the 1990s, young people shifted that trend in 2018 and largely maintained that trend in 2022, with more than a quarter of young people casting a ballot.

Women continued to vote at higher rates than men, just as they have in every midterm election since 1998, with 55 percent of women voting compared with 52 percent of men in the 2018 midterm election. Education levels also correlate strongly with voting behavior, with those with higher levels of education having higher levels of voter turnout in 2018.

Understanding these patterns helps illuminate both the progress made in expanding democratic participation and the work that remains to ensure all voices are heard equally in our electoral system.

The Power of Your Vote: Selecting Representatives and Shaping Policy

Voting represents the most fundamental way citizens influence government during midterm elections. Elections enable voters to select leaders and to hold them accountable for their performance in office. This accountability mechanism ensures that elected officials remain responsive to constituent concerns or face the prospect of losing their positions.

When you cast a ballot in a midterm election, you're making decisions that ripple through multiple levels of government and policy areas. Congressional elections determine which party controls the House of Representatives and Senate, affecting everything from committee assignments to the legislative agenda. State legislative races influence education funding, healthcare policy, criminal justice reform, and infrastructure investment in your community.

Where the electoral process is competitive and forces candidates or parties to expose their records and future intentions to popular scrutiny, elections serve as forums for the discussion of public issues and facilitate the expression of public opinion, providing political education for citizens and ensuring the responsiveness of democratic governments to the will of the people.

How Voters Affect Policy Outcomes

Competing political candidates have incentives to adopt positions that reflect the preferences of the electorate because doing so raises the chances they will win the election—that is, voters can affect the policy choices of politicians. This dynamic creates a powerful feedback loop where elected officials must remain attuned to constituent preferences to maintain their positions.

Your vote influences policy in two distinct ways. First, by selecting between candidates with different policy platforms, you directly choose which set of priorities and approaches will guide government action. Second, the threat of electoral consequences encourages politicians to moderate their positions and seek common ground that appeals to voters in their districts or states.

Research demonstrates that electoral competition produces more responsive governance. When officials know they face competitive reelection contests, they pay closer attention to constituent concerns, hold more town halls, respond more frequently to constituent communications, and work harder to deliver tangible benefits to their districts.

Preparing to Vote: Registration, Deadlines, and Requirements

Before you can exercise your right to vote, you must navigate the voter registration process. Registration requirements vary by state, with different deadlines, documentation requirements, and procedures. Understanding these requirements well in advance of Election Day ensures you don't miss critical deadlines that could prevent you from voting.

Most states require voters to register by a specific deadline before Election Day, typically ranging from 15 to 30 days prior to the election. However, some states offer same-day registration, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote on the same day. Check your state's specific requirements through official election websites or nonpartisan voter information resources.

Many states now offer online voter registration, streamlining the process and making it more accessible. You can typically register online through your state's election office website, providing basic information such as your name, address, date of birth, and identification number. Some states also allow registration through motor vehicle offices, public assistance agencies, or by mail.

Verifying Your Registration Status

Even if you've registered to vote in the past, it's wise to verify your registration status before each election. Changes in address, name, or administrative errors can sometimes result in registration problems. Most states provide online tools where you can check your registration status, confirm your polling location, and review your voter information.

If you discover problems with your registration, contact your local election office immediately. Depending on your state's laws and how close you are to Election Day, you may be able to correct errors, update your information, or utilize provisional ballot procedures to ensure your vote counts.

Understanding Voting Methods and Options

Alternative voting methods include any method other than voting in person on Election Day, such as early voting and voting by mail, and in 2018, 40 percent of voters used an alternative voting method. These options provide flexibility for voters with work schedules, family obligations, disabilities, or other circumstances that might make Election Day voting challenging.

Early voting allows you to cast your ballot in person before Election Day, often at designated locations in your county or municipality. Early voting periods vary by state but typically span one to two weeks before the election. This option can help you avoid long lines and gives you flexibility to vote at a convenient time.

Mail-in or absentee voting enables you to receive your ballot by mail, complete it at home, and return it either by mail or at designated drop-off locations. Some states automatically send mail ballots to all registered voters, while others require you to request an absentee ballot. Understanding your state's specific procedures ensures you can take advantage of these convenient voting options.

Becoming an Informed Voter: Research and Resources

Casting an informed vote requires understanding the candidates, their positions on key issues, their qualifications, and their records of public service. With multiple races on a typical midterm ballot—from federal contests to state and local offices—researching candidates can seem daunting. However, numerous resources can help you make educated decisions aligned with your values and priorities.

Start by identifying which races will appear on your ballot. Your local election office website typically provides sample ballots showing all the contests and candidates you'll encounter. This allows you to research each race systematically rather than being surprised by unfamiliar names when you enter the voting booth.

Evaluating Candidate Positions and Records

For each race, research the candidates' positions on issues that matter most to you. Campaign websites typically outline candidates' policy platforms, though these may present information in the most favorable light. Look for multiple sources of information to get a complete picture.

Nonpartisan voter guides compiled by organizations like the League of Women Voters provide side-by-side comparisons of candidates' positions on key issues. These guides often include candidates' responses to standardized questions, making it easier to compare their views directly. News coverage from reputable local and national media outlets can provide additional context about candidates' backgrounds, qualifications, and campaign promises.

For incumbent candidates seeking reelection, examine their voting records and accomplishments in office. Congressional voting records are publicly available through websites like Congress.gov, allowing you to see exactly how your current representatives voted on specific bills and issues. State legislative voting records are typically available through state legislature websites.

Attending Candidate Forums and Debates

Candidate forums and debates provide valuable opportunities to see candidates respond to questions, defend their positions, and interact with opponents. These events reveal not only what candidates believe but also how they think on their feet, handle pressure, and communicate with voters. Many forums are broadcast on local television or radio and streamed online, making them accessible even if you can't attend in person.

Town halls and community meetings offer more intimate settings where you can ask candidates questions directly and hear their responses. These events provide insights into candidates' priorities, communication styles, and understanding of local issues that may not emerge in larger, more formal debates.

Evaluating Information Sources

In an era of information overload and misinformation, critically evaluating your sources is essential. Rely on established news organizations with professional editorial standards, official government websites, and nonpartisan civic organizations. Be skeptical of information from unknown sources, especially on social media, and verify claims by checking multiple reputable sources.

Fact-checking websites like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and the Washington Post Fact Checker can help you verify claims made by candidates and campaigns. These resources investigate the accuracy of political statements and provide evidence-based assessments of campaign rhetoric.

Beyond Voting: Engaging in Campaign Activities

While voting represents the foundation of democratic participation, citizens can amplify their influence by engaging in campaign activities. For many voters, participation in an election goes beyond voting to include activities such as publicly showing their support for a candidate, contributing money to a campaign or attending campaign events.

Volunteering for campaigns allows you to directly support candidates and causes you believe in while building community connections and gaining insights into the political process. Campaign volunteers perform essential functions including voter outreach, phone banking, canvassing neighborhoods, organizing events, and helping with administrative tasks.

Volunteer Opportunities and Their Impact

Phone banking involves calling voters to share information about candidates, answer questions, and encourage turnout. This work can be done from campaign offices or from home, making it accessible for people with various schedules and mobility considerations. While some volunteers worry about making calls, campaigns provide training and scripts to help you feel comfortable.

Canvassing—going door-to-door to talk with voters—represents one of the most effective forms of voter outreach. Personal conversations with neighbors and community members build connections and trust that mass media advertising cannot replicate. Research consistently shows that personal contact significantly increases the likelihood that someone will vote.

Campaign events, from rallies to fundraisers to community forums, require volunteers to help with logistics, setup, registration, and coordination. These events energize supporters, attract media attention, and demonstrate grassroots enthusiasm for candidates and causes.

Financial Contributions and Their Role

Campaign contributions provide essential resources that enable candidates to communicate with voters, organize volunteers, and compete effectively. While concerns about money in politics are legitimate, individual contributions from ordinary citizens remain crucial for candidates, especially those challenging well-funded incumbents or facing wealthy opponents.

You don't need to donate large sums to make a difference. Small-dollar donations from many individuals can add up to substantial campaign resources while demonstrating broad grassroots support. Many campaigns now emphasize small-donor fundraising as evidence of popular enthusiasm and independence from special interests.

Federal law limits individual contributions to candidates, political parties, and political action committees. For federal elections, individuals can contribute up to specific amounts per election cycle to candidates and party committees. State and local contribution limits vary by jurisdiction. Understanding these limits ensures your contributions comply with campaign finance laws.

Spreading Information and Influencing Others

In the digital age, sharing information through social media, email, and personal conversations represents a powerful form of political participation. When you share accurate information about candidates, issues, and voting procedures, you help expand the informed electorate and encourage participation among your networks.

However, with this power comes responsibility. Before sharing political information, verify its accuracy through reliable sources. Misinformation spreads rapidly online and can undermine democratic discourse and voter confidence. By committing to share only verified, accurate information, you contribute to a healthier information environment.

Personal conversations with friends, family, and colleagues often prove more influential than impersonal campaign communications. When you discuss why you support particular candidates or care about specific issues, you provide authentic perspectives that resonate more deeply than scripted campaign messages. These conversations can encourage others to register, research candidates, and vote.

Holding Elected Officials Accountable Between Elections

A majority of voters (55%) say that ordinary citizens can do a lot to influence the government in Washington if they are willing to make the effort. This influence extends well beyond Election Day through ongoing engagement with elected officials and government processes.

Contacting your representatives—through phone calls, emails, letters, or in-person meetings—communicates your priorities and concerns. Elected leaders are informed about the type and volume of public input their office receives, and even when leaders share your views, they may not realize how much you care about a particular issue unless you communicate with them, as a message from you may prompt them to take stronger action.

Effective Communication with Elected Officials

When contacting representatives, be clear, concise, and specific. Identify yourself as a constituent, state your position on the issue, and explain how it affects you or your community. Personal stories and local examples often resonate more powerfully than abstract arguments or talking points.

Congressional offices track constituent communications and report trends to the member. While a single call or email may not change a vote, sustained contact from many constituents on an issue demonstrates its importance to the district or state. Coordinated advocacy campaigns that generate hundreds or thousands of constituent contacts can significantly influence legislative priorities and decisions.

In-person meetings with representatives or their staff provide opportunities for more substantive discussions. While securing meetings with busy elected officials can be challenging, constituent services staff and legislative aides are accessible and influential. Building relationships with these staff members can enhance your effectiveness as an advocate.

Attending Town Halls and Public Forums

Town hall meetings and public forums allow constituents to question elected officials directly, voice concerns, and hear responses in real-time. These events provide accountability mechanisms where officials must address constituent priorities publicly, creating records of their positions and commitments.

When attending town halls, prepare thoughtful questions that address specific issues and seek concrete commitments or explanations. Arrive early to increase your chances of being called on, and consider coordinating with others who share your concerns to ensure the issue receives attention even if not everyone gets to speak.

Public comment periods at city council meetings, school board sessions, and other local government proceedings offer similar opportunities to influence policy decisions. Local officials often have more direct impact on daily life issues like zoning, education, public safety, and infrastructure than federal representatives, making engagement at this level particularly valuable.

Community Involvement and Grassroots Organizing

Participating in local civic organizations, community groups, and issue-based coalitions amplifies your influence beyond individual action. Collective organizing multiplies the impact of concerned citizens and creates sustained pressure for policy changes and government accountability.

Neighborhood associations, parent-teacher organizations, environmental groups, civil rights organizations, and countless other civic groups provide structures for collective action on issues affecting your community. These organizations often have established relationships with elected officials, expertise on specific policy areas, and resources for effective advocacy.

Building Coalitions for Change

Effective advocacy often requires building coalitions that bring together diverse groups around shared goals. When organizations representing different constituencies unite behind common objectives, they demonstrate broad support and increase political pressure for action.

Coalition building requires finding common ground, respecting different perspectives, and maintaining focus on shared goals even when partners disagree on other issues. These skills strengthen democratic participation and create opportunities for progress on complex challenges that no single group could address alone.

Organizing Voter Registration and Turnout Efforts

Organizing voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote efforts in your community directly expands democratic participation. These activities help ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote, particularly in communities that face barriers to registration and voting.

Voter registration drives can be conducted at community events, schools, places of worship, and public spaces. Many states allow deputized voter registrars to register voters on behalf of election offices, making it easier to conduct organized registration efforts. Nonpartisan registration drives strengthen democracy by expanding the electorate without favoring particular candidates or parties.

Get-out-the-vote efforts in the days and weeks before elections remind registered voters about upcoming contests, provide information about voting procedures and locations, and help address logistical barriers to voting. Offering rides to polling places, helping voters understand mail-in ballot procedures, or simply reminding friends and neighbors to vote can significantly increase turnout.

Understanding the Broader Context: Money, Media, and Political Influence

While individual citizens possess significant power through voting and civic engagement, understanding the broader context of political influence helps you navigate the democratic process more effectively. Money and media play substantial roles in shaping electoral outcomes and policy decisions.

Super PAC money, which largely comes from a small group of the very wealthiest donors, started influencing elections almost immediately after Citizens United, and from 2010 to 2022, super PACs spent approximately $6.4 billion on federal elections. This reality can feel discouraging, but it underscores the importance of grassroots organizing, small-dollar fundraising, and sustained civic engagement.

Countering Big Money with People Power

While wealthy donors and special interests wield significant influence, organized citizens retain powerful tools for political change. High voter turnout, especially in primaries where participation is typically lower, can overcome financial advantages. Candidates who build strong grassroots support and volunteer networks can compete effectively against better-funded opponents.

Small-dollar fundraising has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional big-money campaign finance. When thousands of ordinary citizens contribute modest amounts, campaigns can raise substantial resources while maintaining independence from wealthy donors and special interests. This model has enabled candidates without traditional funding sources to mount competitive campaigns.

Advocacy campaigns that mobilize constituent pressure on elected officials can counter lobbying by well-funded interest groups. When representatives hear from hundreds or thousands of constituents on an issue, that grassroots pressure often outweighs the influence of lobbyists and campaign contributors.

Media Literacy and Information Consumption

Media coverage shapes public understanding of candidates, issues, and elections. Developing media literacy skills helps you navigate the information landscape more effectively and make better-informed decisions.

Seek out diverse news sources representing different perspectives and editorial approaches. Reading coverage from multiple outlets provides a more complete picture than relying on a single source. Distinguish between news reporting, which aims to present factual information objectively, and opinion content, which offers analysis and commentary from particular viewpoints.

Be aware of how media coverage can influence perceptions through framing, emphasis, and omission. Stories about the same event can create very different impressions depending on which aspects receive attention and how information is presented. Critical consumption of media requires asking questions about sources, evidence, and potential biases.

Special Considerations: State and Local Races

While federal races often dominate midterm election coverage, state and local contests frequently have more direct impact on daily life. State legislatures determine education funding, healthcare policy, criminal justice approaches, environmental regulations, and countless other issues affecting your community. Local officials make decisions about zoning, public safety, infrastructure, and municipal services.

Researching state and local candidates can be more challenging than researching federal candidates because media coverage is often limited. However, local newspapers, community news websites, and candidate forums provide valuable information. Many state and local candidates are more accessible than federal officials, making it easier to meet them personally or attend their events.

The Impact of State Legislative Elections

State legislative races determine which party controls state government and sets policy on issues ranging from education and healthcare to voting rights and redistricting. In many states, relatively small shifts in legislative seats can flip control of chambers, dramatically altering the policy landscape.

State legislators often serve as a pipeline to higher office, making these races important for shaping the future of political leadership. Many members of Congress, governors, and even presidents began their careers in state legislatures. Supporting candidates at this level helps build a bench of experienced leaders aligned with your values.

Redistricting—the process of redrawing congressional and legislative district boundaries—occurs after each census and is typically controlled by state legislatures. The party controlling state government during redistricting years can draw district maps that advantage their candidates for the next decade. This makes state legislative elections in years ending in zero particularly consequential.

Local Elections and Community Impact

City council members, county commissioners, school board members, and other local officials make decisions that directly affect your neighborhood, schools, and daily life. These officials typically serve smaller constituencies, meaning your vote and voice carry proportionally more weight than in federal elections.

Local elections often feature lower turnout than state and federal contests, creating opportunities for engaged citizens to have outsized influence. A few dozen votes can determine outcomes in some local races, and organized groups of neighbors can effectively advocate for community priorities.

Attending local government meetings, participating in public comment periods, and building relationships with local officials creates opportunities to influence decisions on issues like development projects, school policies, public safety approaches, and budget priorities. Local government often provides the most accessible entry point for civic engagement and political participation.

Overcoming Barriers to Participation

Despite the importance of midterm elections, various barriers can prevent or discourage participation. Understanding these obstacles and strategies for overcoming them helps ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic rights.

Logistical and Practical Barriers

Work schedules, family obligations, transportation challenges, and other practical considerations can make voting difficult. Many states have addressed these barriers through early voting, mail-in ballots, and laws requiring employers to provide time off for voting. Familiarize yourself with your state's voting options and plan ahead to ensure you can cast your ballot.

For voters with disabilities, accessibility requirements ensure that polling places accommodate various needs. If you encounter accessibility problems, contact your local election office or disability rights organizations for assistance. Many jurisdictions offer curbside voting or other accommodations for voters who cannot easily enter polling places.

Information Gaps and Complexity

The complexity of ballots featuring multiple races and candidates can feel overwhelming, particularly for new voters or those who haven't followed political news closely. Starting your research early, using voter guides, and focusing on races and issues most important to you makes the process more manageable.

Don't feel pressured to vote in every race if you haven't had time to research all the candidates. It's better to cast informed votes in contests you understand than to vote randomly in races you know nothing about. However, making time to research down-ballot races often reveals their significant impact on issues you care about.

Voter Suppression and Restrictive Laws

Some states have enacted laws that make registration and voting more difficult, disproportionately affecting certain communities. These laws may include strict voter ID requirements, limited early voting periods, polling place closures, or voter roll purges. Understanding your state's specific requirements and deadlines helps you navigate these obstacles.

If you encounter problems voting—whether due to registration issues, ID requirements, or other barriers—know your rights and seek help. Election protection hotlines staffed by legal experts can provide guidance, and poll workers are required to offer provisional ballots if your eligibility is questioned. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union provide resources on voting rights and how to address problems at the polls.

The Long-Term Perspective: Building Democratic Habits

Effective citizenship isn't limited to election seasons but requires sustained engagement with democratic processes and institutions. Building habits of civic participation strengthens democracy and increases your long-term influence on government and policy.

Make voting a consistent habit by participating in every election, not just high-profile presidential or midterm contests. Primary elections, special elections, and local contests all shape governance and policy. Regular participation keeps you informed about issues and candidates while demonstrating to elected officials that you're an engaged constituent whose views matter.

Staying Informed Year-Round

Following political news and policy developments between elections helps you understand how government decisions affect your community and prepares you to make informed choices when elections arrive. You don't need to consume political news constantly, but regular attention to reputable news sources keeps you aware of major developments and emerging issues.

Subscribe to newsletters from elected officials, civic organizations, and news outlets covering issues you care about. These resources deliver curated information directly to your inbox, making it easier to stay informed without spending hours searching for news.

Mentoring New Voters and Civic Engagement

Sharing your knowledge and experience with friends, family members, and community members who are new to voting or civic engagement strengthens democratic participation. Offer to help first-time voters navigate registration, research candidates, or find their polling places. Bring friends or family members with you when you vote, attend town halls, or participate in community meetings.

Young people, new citizens, and those who haven't previously engaged in politics often need encouragement and practical support to overcome initial barriers to participation. Your mentorship can help establish lifelong habits of civic engagement in others while building a more informed and active electorate.

Looking Ahead: Your Ongoing Role in Democracy

Midterm elections represent crucial opportunities to shape government and policy, but they're just one component of ongoing democratic participation. Elections make a fundamental contribution to democratic governance, and because direct democracy is impractical in most modern societies, democratic government must be conducted through representatives, with elections enabling voters to select leaders and to hold them accountable for their performance in office.

Your role as a citizen extends beyond casting ballots to include staying informed, communicating with elected officials, participating in community organizations, and encouraging others to engage in democratic processes. These activities create the sustained civic engagement necessary for responsive, accountable government.

Though the public is unhappy with government generally, Americans are largely divided on key measures of their ability to influence how it runs, with 58% saying voting gives people some say about how government runs things, and 50% saying ordinary citizens can do a lot to influence the government in Washington if they are willing to make the effort. This division reflects both the challenges of democratic participation and the real power that engaged citizens possess.

The effectiveness of your participation depends partly on your expectations and persistence. Individual actions rarely produce immediate, dramatic results, but sustained engagement over time—voting consistently, communicating regularly with officials, organizing with others—creates cumulative influence that shapes policy and governance.

Democracy requires active citizenship to function effectively. When citizens disengage, government becomes less responsive and accountable. When citizens participate—through voting, advocacy, organizing, and community involvement—democracy strengthens and government better reflects the will of the people.

As you prepare for upcoming midterm elections, remember that your participation matters. Your vote helps determine who represents you and which policies government pursues. Your engagement between elections holds officials accountable and influences their decisions. Your involvement in campaigns and civic organizations amplifies your voice and builds collective power for change.

The health of American democracy depends on citizens like you who take seriously the responsibilities and opportunities of democratic participation. By voting in midterm elections, staying informed about issues and candidates, communicating with elected officials, and engaging in your community, you fulfill the essential role of citizenship in a democratic republic. Your participation—multiplied across millions of engaged citizens—creates the foundation for responsive, accountable government that serves the common good.

Make your plan to vote in the next midterm election. Research the candidates and issues on your ballot. Consider how you can engage beyond voting through volunteering, advocacy, or community organizing. Encourage friends and family to participate. Together, engaged citizens can shape the direction of government and create the change they want to see in their communities and nation.