What Are Midterm Elections and Why Do They Matter?

While Presidential elections get the most attention, "midterm" elections—held every four years in the middle of a President's term—are just as important for the direction of the country.

1. What is up for election?

In a midterm year, voters choose:

• All 435 seats in the House of Representatives.
• About one-third of the seats in the Senate.
• Many state governors and local officials.

2. Why they matter

Midterms decide which party controls Congress. If the President's party loses control, it becomes much harder for the President to pass their agenda. Midterms are often seen as a "referendum" or a grade on the President's performance so far.

3. The "Voter Gap"

Historically, fewer people vote in midterm elections than in Presidential elections. This means that those who *do* show up have an outsized impact on the outcome and the future of the government.