Everything You Need To Know About the Midterm Elections

2022 is a big year. And not just because Beyoncé is dropping a new album this summer. 2022 is a midterm election year, and every vote counts! In a recent Pulse Survey, 77% of DoSomething members said they planned to vote in the upcoming election this November. However, 13% also said they didn’t even know there was an election this year. While critical to our democracy, midterm elections don’t often receive all the buzz and media attention that surrounds a presidential election. DoSomething is equipping you with the tools and resources needed to strengthen your civic engagement muscle.

Civic engagement looks different for everyone, but one thing remains true: every voice and every vote matters! You hold the key to deciding the future of our country, and we need young leaders like YOU to claim our democracy.

We’ve put together highlights to help you better understand midterm elections, why they matter, and how you can ensure your voice will be heard.

What are midterm elections?

Great question! As the name implies, midterms happen in the middle. Midterms, or midterm elections, take place two years into a President’s four-year term. The last time we saw a midterm election was in 2018, in which 28% of young people showed up to the polls to vote.

We are midway through the midterm primary election season. Primary elections–which take place in the spring and summer leading up to general elections–determine which candidates will represent each political party on the ballot. Primaries are currently underway! See below for upcoming primary dates and check this resource to learn more about your state’s primary election.

• July 19–Maryland
• August 2–Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Washington
• August 4–Tennessee
• August 9–Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin
• August 13–Hawaii
• August 16–Alaska, Wyoming
• August 23–Florida, New York
• September 6–Massachusetts
• September 13–Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island
• November 8–Louisiana

The general election during the midterm cycle is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November – this year on November 8.

Who and what is on the ballot?

Midterm elections are crucial to electing representatives for Congress, as well as state and local governments. Congress is composed of two bodies: the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is comprised of 100 senators, two from each state. There are 435 representatives in the House, each representing a congressional district from their state. Senators serve six-year terms, and representatives serve two. In 2022, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs, while 34 seats in the Senate are eligible. In addition, 36 states are voting on governors.

Some major issues that are top of mind for young people this election cycle include the student debt crisis, climate change, gun safety, and reproductive rights. It’s important to learn about your state and local races and stay connected to what is happening in your community. Use this resource to find out who–and what– is on the ballot.

Why do midterms matter?

We get it. Midterm elections don’t feel as “flashy” as presidential elections. But trust us, they are just as important. Midterm elections allow citizens to vote on the issues that matter most. By using your vote during a midterm election, you can elect representatives who support issues and topics you care about–and they can represent you at the highest level. The results of the midterms can often change the makeup of Congress. When young people come together through activism and electoral politics, you can help change the trajectory of our democracy. Using your vote during the midterm elections means you can elect officials who care about the issues that matter most to YOU, like gun safety, climate change, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more!

How do you prepare for midterm elections?

17 million young people will come of age to vote between the 2020 and 2024 election. Now is the time to use your voice–and vote–to make a difference.

First-time voter, register to vote!

• If you are a new voter, be sure to register to vote. We’re working to register 30,000 new voters this election season!

Not sure if you’re registered? No worries!

• Check out this resource to find out if you’re registered to vote, need to change your address, and more.

Make a voting plan!

• Make sure you create a voting plan before Election Day. Do you plan to vote in person or by mail? If voting by mail, request your absentee ballot with plenty of time to spare, especially if you'll be away at school in the fall.
• Decide if you want to vote early or on Election Day. Vote Early Day is October 28, 2022. When you vote early, you ensure that work, school, or long lines at the polls won’t stop your ballot from being counted!
• If you’re voting in person, don’t forget to find out where your polling place is located, how you'll get there, and if there is anything you’ll need to bring.

Research what’s on your ballot!

• Before casting your vote, be sure to know who AND what will be on the ballot. You’ll want to spend time researching and educating yourself on the candidates and legislation up for election in your community. This resource makes it easy to know what exactly you’ll see on your ballot this November.

As we approach the midterms, keep this in mind: Every voice–and every vote–matters. And together, our votes have the collective power to demand that our democracy works for all! What are you waiting for? Get out there and stretch that civic muscle!