Midterm Elections: A True Test of Democracy

Denise Faraone Diaz, MSN, BA, RN, CPAN, CAPA, FASPAN
Member, Governmental Affairs SWT

Most Americans are familiar with the presidential election that occurs every four years, but equally as important are the midterm elections, often referred to as “midterms.” These elections are a critical part of the democratic process that can reshape the balance of power in the United States government. While presidential elections determine who occupies the White House, midterms determine who represents voters in Congress and in certain state and local offices. These elections direct the second half of the president’s term by determining which issues receive attention and how policies move forward.¹ 

Midterms got their name because they occur two years – or midterm – into a president’s four-year term in office. They occur across all states and are for offices other than that of president or vice president. During midterms, voters have the opportunity to re-balance power by choosing members of Congress who are either more closely aligned or positioned further away from the president’s agenda and are thus often viewed as a barometer of the president’s performance.²

Article I of the United States Constitution sets a two-year term for members of Congress elected to the House of Representatives, and a six-year term for those elected to the Senate. A special clause divides Senate members into three “classes” so that approximately one-third of those seats are up for election every two years. This literally means that Congress is on the midterm ballot: All 435 House of Representative seats and one-third of the 100 Senate seats (33 or 34) are up for a vote.³

The concept of midterm elections was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Key figures such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton supported staggered term lengths to ensure a system of checks and balances. By staggering terms, the delegates wanted to avoid major government overturns in a single election cycle, thereby preventing sweeping changes in all three branches of government at once. James Madison successfully argued that the House should retain two-year terms to remain bound to public opinion, while the Senate should serve longer six-year terms to maintain stability and long-term expertise.²

Midterm elections are crucial because the president, who makes up the executive branch of the United States government, does not govern alone but rather in conjunction with the legislative and judicial branches. When you vote in a midterm election, you not only help determine Congress, but you are also choosing who will represent the interests of your state rather than the entire country as many states add other races to the midterm ballot. Your ballot may include races for governor, state representatives, and judicial and local offices, as well as state-specific issues.⁴

Looking to exercise your constitutional right to vote? Well, you’re in luck because 2026 is a midterm election year:

1. The midterm primary elections – those which determine the candidates nominated to represent each political party for each congressional race – are held on different dates according to state. Most midterm primaries occur from January through June. Visit the U.S. Vote Foundation to view your state’s election dates and deadlines
    
2. If you missed your state’s primary, don’t worry because the midterm general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Fun fact: Federal general elections are always held on the first Tuesday that follows a Monday in November. The Election Act of 1845 put this schedule into effect and dates back to farming culture in the 19th century. By November, harvest season was over, but it was not yet cold winter weather, and Tuesday was considered the best day because farmers could travel to polling places on Monday without disruption to religious services held on Sunday.⁵

If you’ve been looking for a way to effect change and make your voice heard, do your homework, learn about the candidates and the issues, and you’ll be ready to ace your midterms!

References

1. Witmer R. Why midterm elections matter: a political scientist explains. Creighton University. July 27, 2026. Accessed September 1, 2026. https://www.creighton.edu/news/why-midterm-elections-matter-political-scientist-explains 
2. Stratton E. What are US midterm elections? US Constitution.net. May 26, 2026. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://usconstitution.net/what-are-us-midterm-elections/#google_vignette
3. The United States Constitution. National Constitution Center. Date unknown. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/full-text
4. When are the 2026 midterm election? And what is their purpose? US Vote Foundation. Date unknown. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://www.usvotefoundation.org/when-are-2026-midterm-elections-and-what-their-purpose
5. Hall E. Why do we vote on Tuesdays? We Vote. November 3, 2025. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://blog.wevote.us/2025/11/03/why-do-we-vote-on-tuesdays/