The 2022 midterm elections are set to take place on Tuesday, November 8. All 435 U.S House seats and 35 of the 100 senate seats are on the ballot. 

“Since I am still under the age of 18, I have encouraged others to vote, and prepared myself with research for when I am able to vote,” said senior Sofia Santa-Cruz.

Due to the fact that the United States has a two-party system, having control of the Senate and the House of Representatives is key to getting laws made. Democrats currently control the Senate, the House, and the presidency.

In 2018, the House and Senate gained a Democrat majority due to a weak job approval for President Trump. However, it is quite the opposite for the 2022 midterm elections. 

Biden’s presidential job approval is low, and current ratings of the U.S economy and the alarming rise of inflation reflect that. According to CNN politics, only about 40% of Americans approve of the job Biden is doing as president. The political status of the democrats is at high risk.

A democrat loss would greatly decrease the Democrat’s power throughout the next two years of Biden’s presidency. If this were to happen, it would prevent much of what Biden and the Democrats want to accomplish.

In Florida, the big statewide election this year is Republican Ron DeSantis against Democrat Charlie Crist. In the primaries for the U.S Senate, Republican Marco Rubio is attempting to retain his seat for the next six years but is going against Democrat Val Demings. 

“To prepare to vote out of my home state, I had to register and order an absentee ballot to be able to make my vote count in Florida. I did extensive research on the candidates before voting, and made sure that my research was unbiased,” said alumni Mia Hernandez.

When attempting to choose your candidate, aim to look for what each candidate stands for in the key issues such as: economy, abortion, immigration, democracy, climate, gun control, education, and public safety. Make sure to come ready and do your research on the candidates and form your own beliefs. Most importantly, if you are over 18, get out and vote!

“First and foremost, get informed. Find out who is running, what their qualities are, and what they stand on. Take a look at what other referendums are on the ballot as far as the state legislature is concerned so that you know how you are going to be voting,” said teacher Ms.Valdes.