Voting Is Important Beyond the Basics: What Makes Your Midterm Election Vote Matter So Much

What voters will decide

The 2026 elections include every seat in the House, Senate contests in 35 states and gubernatorial races in 36 states. More than 150 ballot measures are also on ballots across 40 states.

The results will shape national policy, including decisions about the Iran War and AI regulation. Local and state races can influence taxes, school funding, health care costs, courts and data center development.

Why midterm votes count

Midterms usually attract fewer voters than presidential elections. In 2022, 46% of eligible voters cast ballots, compared with 65% in the 2024 presidential election. Close contests show how a small number of votes can decide representation. Lauren Boebert held her Colorado House seat by 546 votes in 2022; Adam Gray won California's 13th Congressional District by 187 votes in 2024; and Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her Iowa House race by six votes in 2020.

Control of Congress is at stake

Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority, and Democrats need a net gain of three seats to take control. In the Senate, Democrats need four additional seats for a majority.

Local races and turnout

Governors can influence data center development by approving moratoriums, setting tax breaks and appointing utility commissioners. More than 30 states are choosing governors, and 41 data center ballot initiatives are being considered in 13 states.

Columbia University political scientist Donald Green says politicians pay attention to which groups vote regularly. He says issues affecting young and poor people can receive less attention when those groups vote less often.

Some voters say they distrust both parties, while Green argues voters should assess the candidates and make an informed choice. Kansas voter Tracy Preisser described a ballot as a voter's voice in deciding who writes community rules.