NiamhMcGarry

The midterm elections occur every two years, marking the halfway point of the president’s four-year term. Midterm elections are congressional elections, and they provide a check on the executive branch by allowing voters to shift the balance of power in Congress. Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives, with 435 members, and the Senate, with 100 members. 

All members of the House of Representatives are up for reelection because they serve a two-year term. Members of the Senate, who serve a six-year term, will have only one-third of their seats up for reelection. These differences allow for stability within Congress. 

The midterm primary elections happen at different times for each state and determine which candidates will be nominated to represent different political parties. 

This year, Nebraska’s midterm primary elections happen on May 12. Anyone who will be 18 years old by or on Nov. 3 is eligible to vote during the primary elections. 

The midterm general elections are always held on the first Tuesday that follows a Monday in November. In other words, the general elections this year will be on Nov. 3. 

A majority of Marian students live in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers all of Douglas Country and parts of Sarpy and Saunders Country. Most seniors will be voting in the upcoming elections and it is important to get familiar with candidates before voting. 

However, it is important to note that there will be more than just the Congressional candidates on the ballot. Many other offices like Governor, Secretary of State, Board of Education, and more will be up for reelection. 

Don Bacon is the current representative for District 2, but he is retiring after his term ends. There are nine different candidates running for election: one Republican, seven Democrats and one Libertarian. 

Republican Brinker Harding is the only Republican candidate, and he states on his website that “in Congress, I will fight to Restore America, Grow America, Secure America and Renew America for your great-grandchildren and for mine.” 

John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell and Crystal Rhoades are currently polling as the top three Democratic candidates, according to The New York Times. The other democrats running are Evaneglos Argyrakis, Kishla Askin and Melanie Williams. 

Eric Foreman is the only Libertarian candidate and believes in a limited government, secured borders and lowered taxes. 

John Cavanaugh, a Creighton Prep grad and brother of Marian alumnae, emphasizes Congress needing to “stand up to billionaires and big corporations and build an economy that works for young people,” according to his website. 

Based on Crystal Rhoades’ campaign website, she emphasizes the working middle class and “lowering costs so every American has the opportunity to build a good life.” 

Denise Powell, as stated by her website, has a strong focus on economics working “to defend the health, safety and finanWcial well-being of Nebraska families.”

Democracy relies on the public’s participation, for all people, young and old, to show up and vote. At Marian girls are prepared to make educated decisions when it comes to their vote. 

Midterm elections typically have a lower voter turnout, fewer people tend to submit ballots because midterms are seen as less important than the presidental election. 

However, each election has an impact, whether big or small. And one thing is for certain: In the United States, every vote matters.