Why Every Election Matters, Including Midterm Elections 

By Anna Spitz, Digital Marketing Manager | Oct. 6, 2022, 11:32 p.m.

Category: Activism, Community Engagement, Politics, Social Justice, Vote, Voting, Voting Rights

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Did you know that there is an election happening in just a few weeks? And, while we won’t be voting for the U.S. President this time around, we will be voting for the people who will hold positions in Congress, and state and local offices.These elections are called “midterms” because they happen right in the middle of a presidential term. The people we elect in the midterms will be the ones creating and voting on laws and local ordinances, and ultimately, deciding what happens in our state and our communities. Here’s what you need to know to understand why every election matters.   

 

Your Vote Impacts Your Community 

Our local governments have the greatest impact on our day-to-day lives. They affect things like schools, parks, roads, libraries, and so much more. Local elected officials are responsible for maintaining and managing local infrastructure, education reform, housing services, and police and fire departments.

We can help improve outcomes for our community members by electing local leaders that share our own values, and urging them to create policies that address the unique needs and conditions of all.

These local officials are being elected every year with little citizen involvement. But you can make change in your community by registering to vote, and voting in every election. Every election matters. It matters to you, your child or children, your family, and your friends.

 

Upcoming California General Election

Californians have an opportunity to make their voices heard in the upcoming General Election. Ballots for the General Election are being mailed to registered voters beginning the week of October 10, 2022. The last day to vote is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. 

The General Election ballot includes:

• A number of ballot propositions
• Statewide candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Member of State Board of Equalization, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
• U.S. Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Assembly Member
• California Supreme Court Justices
• Other local candidates and local measures
   

How to Make Sure Your Vote is Counted

There are a few steps that you should take to make sure that your ballot is filled out correctly, and that it is counted once it is received by your county’s Registrar of Voters:

• When filling out your ballot be sure to use black or blue ink and completely fill in the oval for your selections.
• After filling out your ballot, place it in the official return envelope that was mailed to you. No postage is needed.
• Sign the back of your envelope. Your signature must match the signature on your Driver’s License or ID, or the form you filled out when you registered to vote. 
• Enter the full date under your signature (e.g. 11/08/2022).
• After it is signed and sealed, simply drop it in your mailbox, mail it at USPS, or locate the nearest Official Ballot Drop Box. Be sure your ballot is postmarked by Tuesday, November 8th.

Unsure if you’re registered to vote? You can check your voter registration status online here. 

For more information on voting in the upcoming California General Election, visit March2ThePolls.org. 

To learn more about the Election from the political and advocacy arm of our organization, click here.

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