It’s 2022 which means another midterm election is upon us. While President Biden won’t be on the ballot this year, his ability to further his plans and agenda will be at stake. It is our responsibility as engaged citizens to ensure our voices are heard at the ballot box.
Story by Ky Duffey
Edited by Pete Ramirez
How Do I Register to Vote?
Voter registration is simple for those who have not yet registered. All you need to do is:
- Meet the requirements listed below
- Complete a voter registration application
- Submit your completed application to your county election office no later than 30 days prior to the election date.
However, if you want to vote in the Texas state primary elections for statewide positions on March 1, 2022, you will need to submit the application by Monday, January 31, 2022.
In order to register to vote in the State of Texas, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a resident of the county where you submit the application
- You are at least 17 years and 10 months old, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day.
- You are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation and parole)
- You have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
What Are Midterm Elections?
They are called “midterm” because they happen in the middle of a presidential term.
Apart from the general and special elections, the midterm election refers to the type of election where the people are given an opportunity to elect their congressional representatives and other subnational officeholders such as the governor and members of the local council.
Every two years, every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is up for re-election. In the Senate, Senators serve 6-year terms. This year, a little over a third of the Senate is up for re-election, with 14 Democratic Senators as well as 20 Republican Senators.
Both Texas Senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn will not be up for re-election this year.
Because most states schedule state elections along the same lines as Congressional elections, Texas’ governor, Greg Abbott, and members of the state Legislature will be on the ballot this year.
It is essential that you research more on which members at the state level will be seeking re-election as well as the state laws that will be up for a public vote at the ballot box.
Why are Midterm Elections Important?
In order for a President to enact an agenda, they need a majority vote in both the House and Senate. Without a majority, much of a President’s agenda can be stalled or blocked completely, which can affect the administration’s standing among the public.
If a President has a majority of members of their own party in the House and Senate, that President has a better chance of delivering on their campaign promises.
Unlike the President, the House and Senate are voted in by popular vote. Depending on which party you support, your participation in midterm elections can determine which laws make it to the President’s desk or not.
When Are The Midterm Elections?
The midterms will take place on November 8, 2022.
As a resident of Texas, you’ll be able to vote for your respective House Representative, the Governor and certain state Legislature members as well as any laws that may be up for a public vote in your area.
Use this link to find who represents you in the House of Representatives.
Use this link to find out who represents you in the state Legislature.
Call your county election office for further questions or concerns about this year’s elections.
The late civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis once said, “The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool or instrument in a democratic society. We must use it.”