Midterms typically see 10-15% fewer voters than presidential elections, but 2018’s midterms had the highest turnout in history! 2022 is likely to be an even bigger deal.

The official midterms election date for 2022 is November 8th, although most states allow citizens to vote earlier if they’d like.

Every state has a different number of representatives based on how many people live there, although the number of representatives is fixed at 435.

Senators are typically viewed as more powerful than the representatives, although they’re both extremely important. Together, both branches work to craft our country’s laws! 34 senators are up for reelection in 2022. In 2024 and 2026, the remaining 66 will be up for election.

The specific offices you’ll vote for are going to differ from state to state, county to county, and city to city. Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia never hold state-wide elections on odd-numbered years, so you’ll vote for state offices in 2023 in these states. [3] X Research source

Every state and county has a different process for things like school board elections and ballot measures, so look up your local ballot ahead of time to research what’s going to be on it. Ballot measures are laws, issues, or questions that apply to local jurisdictions. For example, there may be a ballot measure regarding a new casino in the area, or a change to local hunting laws.

A president might pass a handful of major laws, but there are dozens upon dozens of state and local laws that are passed every year that may impact you.

If there are any issues you really care about, whether it’s women’s rights, civil rights, tax policy, or any other policy, voting in the midterms is one of the best ways to fight for your beliefs. Similarly, good roads, clean air, clean water, and safe food are all things we have because of government programs, so your vote makes a big difference.

If you aren’t engaged in local politics, there’s no better time to start than now! Read your local paper, follow your regional newspapers, and look online to learn more. If anyone does try to stop you from voting, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Check out Vote. org’s guide on your rights as a voter to learn more.

You can look up your state’s registration rules by visiting Vote. gov’s online registration portal. Typically, anybody can register to vote so long as you’re a US citizen, you meet your state’s residency requirements, and you’re 18 years of age or older. [4] X Trustworthy Source USA. GOV Official website for the United States federal government Go to source There are no national deadlines for registration—every state has different requirements, so don’t wait to sign up! As a form of activism, you can help other people register to vote, which may increase voter turnout.

Many states do not require ID to vote, although some do. What qualifies as valid ID differs from state to state, although every state accepts driver’s licenses and state IDs. If you don’t bring the proper form of ID, request a provisional ballot. Your vote will still count if you’re registered, but a poll worker will cross reference the signature on your ballot with the signature on file at the DMV.

Some states require voters to provide a reason why they can’t make it to a polling place on election day. Most states have a deadline for requesting mail-in ballots, so do this early as you possibly can to ensure you have time to send the ballot back! The vast majority of counties and states allow for mail-in/absentee voting, but there are a few counties that may not have a mail-in program. Look your county and state laws up ahead of time. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Conference of State Legislatures Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents Go to source

Some states do not allow for early voting, so don’t assume you’ll be able to vote early without looking it up!