POLICY, EXPLAINED ยท ELECTIONS
What is a midterm election?
THE SHORT ANSWER
A midterm is the big election that happens in the middle of a president's four-year term. The president is not on the ballot. But Congress is, and so are many state and local leaders.
Why is it called a “midterm”?
Because it happens in the middle. Presidents serve four years. The midterm falls two years in.
2024
Presidential election
2026
Midterm election
Tuesday, Nov. 3
2028
Presidential election
Who is on the ballot?
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
All 435 seats in the U.S. House
35 seats in the U.S. Senate
Many governors and state lawmakers
HERE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
1 U.S. Senate seat
All 7 U.S. House seats
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Other statewide offices, like Attorney General and Superintendent of Education
All 124 seats in the SC House
County and local races
Why does it matter?
1
Congress makes federal laws. It also decides how federal money is spent.
2
State leaders shape daily life. Schools, roads, health care and many other laws are decided in Columbia.
3
Fewer people vote. Turnout is usually lower than in presidential years, so each vote carries more weight.
How to vote in South Carolina
Election Day
Early voting
Bring
Where
Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 to Oct. 31, Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.
Look up your polling place and sample ballot at scvotes.gov.
Words to know
Congress
The U.S. House and Senate together. They write federal laws.
Ballot
The list of choices you vote on.
Sample ballot
A preview of your ballot, so you can look at it before you vote.
Turnout
How many eligible people actually vote.