By Halim Sheena
Voters turn out in large numbers every four years to vote in the presidential election. Just as pivotal are the midterm elections every two years, however, voter turnout is substantially less. We asked our readers: do you vote in midterm elections? Why or why not?
I definitely plan to vote in the midterm elections. For me, voting is a crucial part of a functioning democracy. Decisions about everything from education to health are made by those in government. So, voting is an important way for me to elect officials and vote on policy measures that have a big impact on my everyday life, as well as the livelihood of my family and friends. While I can’t pass these policies directly, I see voting as a way to have my views represented at all levels of government and consider it my duty as a U.S. citizen.
– Taylor Mattia, 24, New York City
Yes, I do vote in the midterm elections. I do so because it is very important to me about who controls the house and senate. With Donald Trump being our president, I would like to see him maintain complete control of the house and senate so that the republicans can push their laws through easily. We can see how important this is by observing how the Democrats refuse to pass anything the republicans propose. With all the success the Trump Administration is having, it would be stupid of me to not vote to keep the success going.
– Alex Kassa, 23, West Bloomfield
Yes. Voting in the midterm election is extremely, and historically, important. Whether you vote Republican or Democrat, I believe it is your fundamental civic duty to vote. Historically, the midterm elections were created in a balance of powers type of perspective; if the citizens do not like policies of the president and his party that they voted in two years ago, now is the time to vote to change the narrative. I think we’ll see a lot of Democrats elected during the midterms because that’s what usually happens when the opposite party is elected to the presidency in the previous two years.
– Anthony Shallal, 24, Franklin
I always tell myself that I am going to vote in the midterm elections because they truly mean so much more than the general elections. Then the time comes and I neglect to vote in the midterm elections. I can think of no excuse that holds weight. I hope recognizing my shortcomings will be the catalyst that leads me ultimately to vote in future midterm elections.
– Paul Hanona, 25, Sterling Heights
I vote in our midterm elections. I believe that making our voices heard in midterms are imperative to keeping our local government working for us. As a citizen it’s important to have choice in what goes on in our local politics. With the internet it’s become much simpler to learn about the issues and candidates so that we make informed decisions. I encourage everyone in our community to vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
– Stephanie Marroki, 22, Shelby Township
I do vote in midterm elections because it is very important make sure you have a say in who represents you on the federal, state, and local level. Midterm elections give us the opportunity to vote for more than just our president, who’s decisions really don’t affect our everyday lives as much as we may think. This year, we’ll be voting for a new governor and representatives for the House and the Senate. Together, these individuals make decisions that have more impact and influence over our everyday lives than we may realize. These people are accountable for almost everything the state is responsible for. Having a say in who makes decisions that affect taxes, welfare, and our schools is why voting in midterm elections is so important!
– Bianca Mattia, 25, Shelby Township