Every two years, Americans gather to elect the United States House of Representatives, as well as vote on a wide variety of local ballot measures. Depending on the year and the state you live in, you may vote for your Congressperson, Senators, and Governor. These races are collectively known as midterm elections, as they occur at the halfway point of the Presidential term.

Midterm elections have massive consequences on a local, state, and federal level. That’s why becoming an active, informed voter is essential. Before this year’s midterms on Tuesday, November 8, here’s everything you should know about what’s at stake for Californians.

National Representation

Midterms give voters the chance to elect a Congressperson who will represent their district in the United States House of Representatives. Because of California’s massive population, the state is awarded 53 representatives – 12% of the total 435 that form the House. You can find your current Congressperson using your zip code.

This year, California will also hold a special election for the Senate seat that became vacant after Senator Kamala Harris became Vice President in 2021. Incumbent Democratic Senator Alex Padilla will run against Republican challenger Mark Meuser.

While Congressional elections do not individually see as much press coverage as senate or presidential races, they are still extremely important and will impact national legislation for the next two years.

President Biden’s Agenda

Historically, midterm elections see the political party that currently holds the Presidency – in 2022, this would the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden – lose seats in Congress. If Republicans win a majority of seats in the House of Representatives and/or the Senate, it is highly likely that President Biden’s remaining policy goals will fail.

The administration’s priorities include:

• Expanding the Affordable Care Act
• Raising the federal minimum wage to $15.00/hour
• Increase the number of tuition-free college programs
• Reform the United States’ criminal justice system
• Combatting and reducing the effects of human-caused climate change

Local Politics and Ballot Measures

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom will seek reelection this year against Republican Brian Dahle. The Governor is the state’s top elected official, and works with state lawmakers to pass new laws, approve yearly budgets, and appoint state judges.

However, political positions aren’t the only thing on the ballot this November. Californians will be able to vote on a number of important policy changes at the state level. These include:

• Proposition 1: Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment. Passing this bill would ensure the right to an abortion and contraceptives in California.
• Proposition 26: Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative. Passing this bill would legalize gambling at Native American casinos and licensed racetracks.
• Proposition 27: Legalize Sports Betting and Revenue for Homelessness Prevention Fund Initiative. Passing this bill would allocate gambling revenue to help build housing for people experiencing homelessness, as well as better fund health care, education, and economic development for Native American tribes.
• Proposition 28: Art and Music K-12 Education Funding Initiative. Passing this bill would set minimum art education funding requirements for K-12 public and charter schools.
• Proposition 29: Dialysis Clinic Requirements Initiative. Passing this bill would set staffing and reporting requirements for chronic dialysis clinics.
• Proposition 30: Tax on Income Above $2 Million for Zero Emissions Vehicles and Wildfire Prevention Initiative. Passing this bill would increase income tax by 1.75% on individuals making $2 million or more per year. The newly created revenue would fund zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and help hire and train more firefighters.
• Proposition 31: Flavored Tobacco Products Ban Referendum. Passing this bill would overturn a 2020 law that banned the sale of flavored tobacco products, excluding premium cigars, hookahs, and loose-leaf tobacco.

Grow Your Community’s Health with AltaMed

At AltaMed, we believe making your voice heard is essential to your health, as well as the health of your family and community. That’s why we created My Vote. My Health., a free resource you can use to register to vote, search for voting centers, learn about the issues, and find volunteer opportunities. Click here to gets started.