What Are the Midterm Elections?

You've probably heard the phrase "midterm elections."

But what exactly does it mean?

Midterm elections happen halfway through a U.S. president's four-year term.

Unlike a presidential election, there isn't one single office being decided.

Voters can elect officials at multiple levels of government.

Federal Offices
Federal elections can include positions such as:

• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative

These officials serve in the federal government and have responsibilities involving federal law, policy, funding, and oversight.

State Offices
State elections can include positions such as:

• Governor & Lt. Governor
• Secretary of State
• State Auditor
• Attorney General
• State Senator
• State Representative
• Judicial Seats

These offices have different responsibilities within Minnesota's state government.

Local Offices
Your ballot may also include local positions, depending on where you live. These can include:

• County officials
• City officers
• School board members
• Township officers
• Local ballot questions

The exact contents of a ballot can vary by location.

Why Does This Matter?
Different elected offices have different responsibilities. That means understanding what an office does is an important part of understanding your ballot. Before researching a candidate, start by asking:

• What position are they running for?
• What does that position actually do?
• What decisions does that office have authority over?

Once you understand the office, you can start looking at the candidates and issues connected to it.

That's what voter education is about.

Know your ballot. Know your choices.​