While the presidential election gets most of the spotlight, some of the most impactful decisions in government are made during the midterms. From determining which party controls Congress to electing the local officials who shape your daily life, midterm elections are a crucial part of our democratic process.
Whether you’re a first-time voter, an educator looking for classroom resources, or simply want a refresher on how it all works, this FAQ guide breaks down what midterms are, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
What is a midterm election?
A midterm election is a general election held near the midpoint of a president’s four-year term. In the United States, voters cast ballots for all 435 members of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the 100 members of the Senate.
Many state and local races also take place during midterms, such as those for governor, state legislature, county commissioners, and school board seats.
When are the midterm elections?
By law, Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Midterm elections occur every even-numbered year that does not have a presidential election.
What is the purpose of midterm elections?
Midterm elections are held near the midpoint of a president’s four-year term and serve several distinct purposes:
- Balancing Power: Midterms are designed to keep the government responsive to the changing views of the electorate. Because the entire House of Representatives is up for election every two years, the make-up of the chamber can shift quickly based on public sentiment.
iCivics Midterm Elections Mini Lesson explains how shifts in party control dramatically alter the legislative and executive branches. Pair this with the Midterm Math Infographic to help students visually grasp how these elections can change the balance of power in Washington. - Determining Agendas: The party that controls the House or the Senate controls the legislative agenda and committee leadership. Midterms directly impact a sitting president’s ability to accomplish their legislative goals.
Use the Who Represents Me? Webquest to connect national and local agendas and find out exactly who represents you. - The “Referendum” Effect: Midterms often serve as a referendum on the current president’s performance. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in Congress during midterm elections.
- Local Impact: While national races dominate the news, midterms also fill state and local offices that handle property taxes, road improvements, emergency services, and education policies that directly affect citizens’ day-to-day lives.
The Got Ballot? Lesson Plan provides a guide for discovering exactly how voters can initiate real change within their own state and local governments, emphasizing that midterms are about much more than just Congress.
How do I teach midterm elections?
Midterms are designed to keep the government responsive to the changing views of the electorate. Because the entire House of Representatives is up for election every two years, the make-up of the chamber can shift quickly based on public sentiment.
iCivics offers free, nonpartisan games and vetted teaching resources for K-12 to turn the 2026 Midterms into a masterclass in democracy—giving you the peace of mind to teach tough topics with confidence. You can find our full curated collection of Election Resources.
One key way to introduce your students to the electoral process is Cast Your Vote, which puts students in the driver’s seat of an election. It’s a highly engaging way to teach students how to research candidates and issues before heading to the polls.
