Lily Huynh/The Cougar
It’s hard to believe that the presidential election was less than two years ago, yet here we are again preparing for another one.
Midterm elections often don’t receive the same publicity, campaign rallies and continuous coverage as the presidential election, but their results are equally significant.
With less than three months until Nov. 3, voting is not just needed, but vital.
What’s at stake
Unlike presidential elections that select the next head of state, midterms decide which party controls Congress.
As of this term, Republicans hold a majority in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. All 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats will be on the ballot, possibly shifting the balance of power.
With President Donald Trump in office, the midterm results could affect how much of his agenda passes through Congress. This will further correlate to how they may respond to his policies.
Because Congress is currently controlled by a Republican party aligned with Trump, the administration has greater congressional support for carrying out its agenda. However, a Congress controlled by a Democratic party could create a different balance of power and provide more oversight.
Election rules are changing
Beyond congressional control, the current administration has sought to change how federal elections are managed.
In March, Trump signed an executive order aiming to change procedures behind federal elections. This order proposed states use federal information to verify that registered voters are U.S. citizens and suggested new rules for mail-in voting.
His administration says these measures are planned to protect election integrity and stop those who are ineligible from voting.
These changes have met legal challenges and federal courts have since blocked central parts of the order.
Recently, a nationwide injunction was issued to stop key provisions of the administration’s mail voting rules ahead of the midterms. To which the Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court’s intervention.
U.S. District Court Judge, Denise Casper has also prevented implementation of a suggested citizenship verification requirement that would have required voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.
A guide for UH voters
This legal back and forth is why students should remain informed and pay close attention.
First, make sure to check your voter registration. Texas requires eligible voters to register 30 days before Election Day, leaving the deadline on Oct. 5. If you have moved since the last election, double-check your address. Make sure all your information is up to date before Election Day.
Once that is in order, familiarize yourself with your ballot. VOTE411 is a useful source that will help you see what’s on the ballot. It allows you to research candidates and overall calm your nerves before arriving at the polls.
Finally, make a plan for when and where you’ll vote.
As a student, making time between classes and work can be hectic. So make sure to find your nearest polling location before Election Day so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Your vote matters
So as we reach the final months before midterm elections, take time to check your registration, know your ballot and map out a plan to vote. The presidential election may feel like it happened yesterday, but the political landscape continues to change.
Students do not need to be political experts to participate, but they do need to be informed. Midterms may not have a presidential race at the top of the ballot, but they will determine who influences the remaining two years.
Every vote made by a Cougar is a critical one.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
